Open Top Container for Sale in Kenya — Prices, Uses & Guide 2026

What Is an Open Top Container?

An open top container has the same footprint and structural frame as a standard dry container but with critical differences:

Removable tarpaulin roof: The solid steel roof is replaced with collapsible steel bow frames (arches running across the top) that support a heavy-duty canvas or PVC tarpaulin. The tarpaulin can be completely removed to allow top-loading, then replaced and secured with straps and clips before transport.

Over-height capability: Some cargo extends above the height of the container when loaded. Open top containers with a tarpaulin can accommodate over-height cargo up to 30–50 cm above the container's top rails (the tarpaulin simply covers over the protruding cargo in some configurations).

Strong corner posts and top rails: The top rails and corner posts of an open top container are reinforced to handle the stresses of top-loading and to compensate for the structural contribution normally made by the roof panel.

Door configuration: Open top containers have standard swing-out doors at one end for conventional loading and unloading when top access is not required. Some models also have removable door headers to allow long cargo (like steel rods, timber beams) to extend through the end.

Sizes available in Kenya: - 20ft Open Top: 6.06 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m - 40ft Open Top: 12.19 m × 2.44 m × 2.59 m

What to Carry in an Open Top Container

Open top containers are designed for cargo that cannot be loaded through standard container doors or requires crane loading from above. Common applications in Kenya include:

Construction materials: - Reinforcing steel bars (rebar) in long lengths - Structural steel sections, H-beams, and I-beams - Timber beams and large timber sections - Pre-cast concrete elements and lintel beams - Large stone blocks and cut marble slabs

Mining and quarrying: - Crushed stone, gravel, and sand in bulk - Ore concentrates and mineral aggregates - Mining equipment and drilling machinery

Industrial machinery: - Transformers, generators, and heavy electrical equipment too large for standard doors - Compressors and industrial pumps - Agricultural machinery and tractors (with the advantage of crane loading) - Processing plant components

Bulk commodities: - Large bags (jumbo/bulk bags) of grain, fertiliser, or cement - Agricultural produce in bulk form - Scrap metal collection and transport

What open tops are NOT suited for: - Temperature-sensitive cargo (use a reefer) - Fine powder or very light materials that blow away - Cargo requiring a completely watertight seal throughout transit

Open Top Container vs Flat Rack — Choosing Correctly

Open top containers and flat rack containers both handle cargo that cannot go in standard dry containers, but they serve different purposes:

Open Top Container — choose when: - Cargo fits within the container's width (2.44 m) and just exceeds height limits - You need sidewall containment (the sides are intact) - Cargo is loaded by crane from directly above - You need the option of weatherproofing the cargo with the tarpaulin

Flat Rack Container — choose when: - Cargo exceeds the container's width (e.g., wide machinery, vehicles) - Cargo must be loaded from the side by forklift or slid on horizontally - You are shipping cylindrical items like pipes, cables on reels, or large tanks - Cargo hangs over the edges on both sides (with proper lashing and permits)

Price comparison: Open top containers are generally slightly more expensive than equivalent flat racks due to the tarpaulin system and reinforced top rails. However, for cargo within container width, the open top provides better weather protection and security.

Buying or Hiring an Open Top Container in Kenya

Open top containers are less common than standard dry containers in the Kenyan market, but Frontier Containers maintains stock of both 20ft and 40ft open top units. Here are the key considerations:

New vs used for open tops: Used open top containers are generally in acceptable condition for most cargo applications. The main wear points specific to open tops are: - Tarpaulin condition (tears, deteriorated fabric, broken grommets) - Bow frame condition (bent or corroded arch frames) - Top rail straightness (can be bent by crane loading impact) - Door header integrity

A tarpaulin replacement costs Kshs 30,000–80,000 depending on size and material.

Hiring vs buying: For one-off or infrequent shipments, hiring an open top container is more economical than buying. Container hire rates in Kenya range from Kshs 15,000–35,000 per day or Kshs 80,000–200,000 per month for a 20ft unit depending on condition and availability.

Delivery and placement: Open top containers are transported the same way as standard containers. Note that the tarpaulin must be properly secured before road transport. Many buyers remove the tarpaulin during final placement and reinstall it on-site.

Open Top Container Price Guide — Kenya 2026

Open top containers are less readily available than standard dry containers. Call 0715 557 559 for current stock and exact pricing.

💡 These are indicative ranges. Call us for your exact quote: 0715 557 559

Frequently Asked Questions