OPEN-TOP CONTAINER or OT is a type of OOG container with an open top normally equipped with foldable canopy, water-proof canvas coverings and iron chain sealing device. The OT is catalogued in OUT OF GAUGE because of its size of 20’ (20 OT) or 40’ (40 OT). The image of OT explained its special way of operation by opening the top of a normal container.

1、Specifications 

OT  container lacking of the same level of stability and carrying capacity as normal container. The height of the cargo contained should be less than 4m for safety consideration. The following introduction of OT is only for reference, please consulting with us  for your specific size of cargos.

20' OT

Internal dimension: 5.893m×2.346m×2.353m         Door opening：2.338m×2.273m        

Cubic volume：32m³                                                   Roof opening：5.488m×2.230m         

Weight：Gross weight 30.48 tons / Tare weight 2.250 ton / Loadage 28.23 tons

40’OT

Internal dimension：12.029m×2.348m×2.359m       Door opening: 2.338m×2.275m        

Cubic volume：66m³                                                   Roof opening：11.622m×2.118m       

 Weight：Gross weight 32.5 tons / Tare weight 3.800 tons / Loadage 28.70 tons

   2. Features and cargo types 

The 20' and 40' OTs are capable of containing large equipments such as machines, metal pipes, glass products or cargos inappropriate for manual handling. 

The cargo would be hanged by a crane or other lifting machine to be dropped into the container from the top where the canvas covering has been rolled from one side. The loading method would protect the cargo from being damaged and be more fixed inside the container. As OTs are more used in sea transportation but with more demanding requirements on transportation and safety conditions, it was less welcomed among customers and mostly was used once without continuous orders, making it less popular than others. Meanwhile, it required more input in terms of labor and finance because the road condition and the transportation plan should be explored in advance due to the special size and more equipment should be utilized during the procedure.

Despite the disadvantages, the use of OTs is spreading more intensively. China has accelerated its industrialization as the development of the global economic integration as well as the adjustment and shift of international industrial structure. More cargos of large size are imported to China requiring OOG special containers for handling such as the 20’and 40’OTs. The restraint of the OT would be eased and the integration of the field across the world would ensure a more dynamic development ahead. 

3. Freight cost
  No fixed equation of freight as to OT. It was basically depended on the size. The 40’ would be more costly than the 20’ because of its larger space requirement. The 20’, however, would be more expensive for long distance ocean line than the 40’for near-sea line.

Other factors considered for cost calculation would include the weight of cargo, the handling condition of terminals and transshipment centers, the busy or low seasons, which might result in very different freight. Meanwhile, the availability of the OTs and the specific size required should be taken into account when offering freight because the extra-wide and extra-high OT would occupy larger space and the freight might be significantly different. 

4、Attention

The canvas covering should be placed well after the cargo handling. A truck should be selected according to the cargo condition and the width and height limitations of the road. The cost of trucks should be calculated based on the cargo. A few matters to consider: first to decide whether the 20' or the 40’OT should be used according to the cargo condition such as the shape and weight; second to maintain the balance of the object by using tools such as steel wire, joint, binding tapes and wooden chocks. The fastening points should be connected with the whole body with great capability of force bearing and close to each other. The cargo should be fastened entirely if no points could be found. Taking photos after the fastening completed for potential use in the future or being sent to professionals for suggestions if they are not on-site.

                                                                 OT Example