A Flat Rack container is a specialized type of container, designed for transporting loads that exceed standard dimensions in height or width. Unlike conventional containers, Flat Racks have no side walls or roof, making them the ideal solution for transporting goods that protrude or have irregular shapes, such as heavy machinery, industrial vehicles or metal structures. In addition, they are constructed of strong materials that allow for the safe handling and transport of extremely heavy loads.
Types of Flat Rack containers and their characteristics
Flat Rack containers come in two main sizes: 20-foot and 40-foot. Below are their key features and differences:
20 ft. Flat Rack
This type of container is ideal for smaller and heavier loads, such as compact industrial machinery or vehicles. With a payload capacity ranging from 25 to 30 tons, this model allows the transport of goods that protrude from the container in height or laterally. Its smaller size makes it easier to maneuver and it is suitable for routes where space in port or inland transport is limited.
40 ft. Flat Rack
Designed for oversized and long loads, this container can carry up to 40 tons of payload, making it ideal for transporting construction equipment, long pipes and metal structures. Its longer length offers flexibility for goods that protrude in both height and width, providing a solution for large-scale transports.
Key characteristics of both types:
Strength: Both models are designed with robust steel structures that can withstand extremely heavy loads and secure goods during transit. Modularity: Flat Racks can be easily stacked when empty, which optimizes storage space and facilitates logistics when not in use. End folding: Container ends can be folded to provide greater flexibility in loading and unloading goods, especially when transporting items of considerable length. Load adaptability: Flat Rack containers allow the use of straps, chains and other securing systems to secure goods from different angles, ensuring safe transport even in adverse sea conditions.
Dimensions and capacities of Flat Rack containers
Flat Rack containers vary in size and capacity, allowing the transport of loads of exceptional dimensions and weights. The following are the sizes and capacities of the most commonly used models:
20 ft. Flat Rack:
External dimensions: 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high.
Internal dimensions: The loading platform measures 19.35 feet in length and 7.87 feet in width, with an internal height of 7.55 feet.
Payload capacity: Between 55 and 66 pounds, depending on the manufacturer and container specifications.
Volume: 975.18 cubic feet.
Typical use: Compact industrial loads, small machinery, heavy vehicles, and moderate-sized metal structures.
40 ft. Flat Rack:
External dimensions: 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high.
Internal dimensions: The loading platform measures 39.86 feet in length, 7.87 feet in width, with an internal height of 6.69 feet.
Payload capacity: Up to 88 pounds, making it an ideal choice for large construction equipment, heavy vehicles, pipelines, and large metal structures.
Volume: 2,072 cubic feet.
Typical use: Longer loads, such as turbines, heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and large metal structures.
Additional capabilities:
Adjustable height: Flat Racks make it possible to transport loads that protrude vertically, thanks to the absence of a roof, which is crucial for machinery and tall objects. Flexibility in width: Loads that exceed in width can also be transported, using additional straps and securing systems to ensure stability during transport.
Holding and safety capabilities:
Both models are equipped with reinforced anchorage points on the platform that allow the goods to be securely fastened during transport, ensuring that the cargo remains in place even under difficult sea conditions.
Comparative Table
Flat Rack Container | External Dimensions | Internal Dimensions | Payload Capacity | Volume | Typical Use |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 ft. Flat Rack | 20 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high | 19.35 feet long, 7.87 feet wide, and 7.55 feet high | Between 55,115 and 66,138 pounds | 975.18 cubic feet | Compact industrial loads, small machinery, heavy vehicles, and moderate-sized metal structures |
40 ft. Flat Rack | 40 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 8.5 feet high | 39.86 feet long, 7.87 feet wide, and 6.69 feet high | Up to 88,184 pounds | 2,072 cubic feet | Longer loads, such as turbines, heavy machinery, industrial equipment, and large metal structures |
When to use a Flat Rack container?
Flat Rack containers are essential when you need to transport goods that cannot be accommodated in standard containers due to their size, weight or irregular shape. Some specific examples where the use of a Flat Rack container is indispensable include:
Heavy machinery: Equipment such as excavators, cranes, tractors and other industrial vehicles that cannot be disassembled and have dimensions that protrude in height or width.
Construction equipment and industrial machinery: Parts such as turbines, generators, windmill parts, or large refrigeration systems, which must be kept intact during transport due to their value and complexity.
Exceptionally heavy loads: Flat Racks allow the transport of very heavy loads, such as large stone blocks, infrastructure parts and other products that could not be supported by a standard container.
Special vehicles and automotive equipment: Large vehicles, such as trucks or buses, that need to be transported without dismantling.
Metal structures: Towers, beams and other pieces of infrastructure that, due to their length or shape, require specialized transportation. These elements usually exceed conventional dimensions in all three axes: height, width and length.
Advantages of Flat Rack in these cases:
Dimensional flexibility: Flat Racks allow goods to protrude, either in width or height, without compromising transport safety.
Ease of loading and unloading: With no side walls or roof, these containers facilitate the use of cranes and other heavy lifting equipment.
Transport safety: Reinforced anchorage points ensure that the goods, although oversized, are securely fastened during transport, even on sea routes with adverse conditions.
Flat Rack containers are therefore an ideal solution for companies handling bulky, heavy or irregular loads that require customized logistics solutions. Across Logistics is a key partner for managing such shipments, ensuring safe and efficient handling throughout the entire supply chain.
Across Logistics: Your logistics partner for international trade
At Across Logistics we have the experience and resources to handle all types of shipments, regardless of the complexity or size of the cargo. From standard commodities to oversized cargo such as Flat Rack containers, we offer logistics solutions tailored to each customer’s specific needs.
Our global network of air, land and maritime transportation ensures safe and efficient handling at every stage of the shipment.
For more information about our services and how we can help you, please contact our specialized team for any of your logistical needs.