Container Availability
Flat Rack Container
Quick answer: A flat rack container is a steel load platform with fixed or collapsible end walls, for cargo that overhangs or outweighs standard containers — machinery, vehicles, pipes and project cargo. Payloads are commonly about 30,000 kg for a 20ft and 40,000+ kg for a 40ft unit; the load width is limited by securement and route rules.
A flat rack is a steel platform with end walls, built for cargo that overhangs or outweighs standard containers: machinery, vehicles, pipes and project pieces. Fixed-end and collapsible-end versions suit different loads and stacking. Lashing and stowage planning are part of the movement, not afterthoughts. Confirm all figures against the actual unit.
Typical specifications
Bottom line: When the cargo does not fit inside any box, the flat rack is the answer: platform lengths of 6,058 mm (20ft) or 12,192 mm (40ft) with payloads from about 30,000 kg upward.
Key figures: Flat rack platforms come in 6,058 mm (20ft) and 12,192 mm (40ft) lengths, both 2,438 mm wide. Payload is commonly about 30,000+ kg on a 20ft and 40,000+ kg on a 40ft, unit-dependent. Collapsible ends let empty flat racks stack, which cuts the cost of repositioning.
| Measure | Nominal value |
|---|---|
| Platform length | 6,058 mm (20ft) / 12,192 mm (40ft) |
| Platform width | 2,438 mm |
| End heights | ≈ 2,231 mm (varies by type) |
| Load width | Limited only by securement and route rules |
| Payload (20ft) | ≈ 30,000+ kg (unit-dependent) |
| Payload (40ft) | ≈ 40,000+ kg (unit-dependent) |
| Stacking | Collapsible ends allow stacking of empty units |
Nominal ISO figures for planning only. The offered unit’s actual specification, tare and payload are confirmed against your enquiry, with photographs and documents where required.
Common uses
- Heavy machinery and vehicles that exceed door dimensions
- Long cargo: pipes, beams, timber and bridge sections
- Project and breakbulk movements combined with conventional shipping
Condition options
Inspect the deck, end walls, corner castings and lashing points; these carry the cargo and the securing load. Ask for photographs of each side and the deck surface, and describe the cargo weight and dimensions so the lashing plan can be reviewed. See condition grades.
Related guidance
- Tall cargo, standard width? See open tops
- Route and handling planning
- Cross-border project movements
Inspection checklist before you buy
Photographs help, but check these points on the actual unit (in person or through an independent inspection) before you commit:
- Deck surface sound, with no broken or missing timber
- Lashing rings and points undamaged and rated for the cargo
- End walls fold and lock correctly (collapsible type)
- Corner castings and posts straight and free of cracks
- Side rails and stake pockets intact
- For cargo use: a valid CSC plate and inspection documents
The cargo-worthy vs wind & watertight guide and the CSC plate guide explain which documents matter for which use.
Buy or lease?
Buying suits long-term storage or a conversion you will keep. Leasing suits a fixed project or a short peak in demand, without resale risk at the end. The leasing vs buying guide compares the two, and you can request either option through the enquiry form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between fixed and collapsible ends?
Fixed-end flat racks suit regular out-of-gauge cargo and stack only in one orientation. Collapsible ends fold down so empty units stack more efficiently — useful for repositioning. State the end type you need in your enquiry.
Who plans the lashing for flat rack cargo?
Securing is part of the transport scope and is agreed before the movement: who supplies lashing materials, who certifies the stowage and which standards apply. Raise it early in the enquiry.
How heavy is an empty flat rack?
A 20ft flat rack typically weighs about 2,500 to 2,900 kg and a 40ft about 5,000 to 5,800 kg, depending on the end-wall design. Confirm the tare on the unit.
Can cargo be wider than a flat rack?
Yes. Flat racks are used for out-of-gauge cargo that overhangs the sides or top, but over-width loads need carrier approval, a securing plan and sometimes road permits. Share exact cargo dimensions early.