Have you ever been curious as to how to transport big, irregular items such as furniture or heavy equipment? Containers make it easy and convenient to ship items of all shapes and sizes that fit neatly in a closed container. However, If you have to transport items that are big, bulky, and won’t fit neatly into the limited dimensions of a standard container you may need to find another option. So, what do you do if your items are too big for a standard container? The answer is, to use a flat rack. Flat racks are specifically designed for shipping big or oddly shaped products.
Unlike a standard ISO container, which has 4 walls and a roof, a flat rack only has a front and back wall and has no side walls or roof. Some flat racks come with no walls at all This makes them perfect for shipping items that are too large to fit inside a standard container, or for hauling oddly shaped items that wouldn’t fit well inside a standard box which are only 8 feet wide. The flat racks are well suited for the transportation of heavy machinery, construction materials, pipe, and other types of oversized freight.
Types of Flat Rack Containers
- Collapsible: Collapsible flat racks are easy to load and unload and have collapsible walls or posts that can fold in for easy storage. They take up much less space when stored. They can be stacked on top of each other, taking up much less space than a standard container or Non-Collapsible flat rack.
- Non-Collapsible/ Fixed Flat Racks: Flat racks with fixed walls or posts on both ends are non-collapsible. This form of flat rack is more durable and capable of carrying larger weights. However, unlike the collapsible flat rack, they cannot be stacked.
- Platform Post Flat Rack: The platform post flat rack has no walls at all; it’sjust a sturdy floor equipped with lashing rings to secure cargo. These are perfect for any item that can’t fit in an 8-foot-wide or 9 ½ foot-tall container.
What are Flat Rack Shipping Container Dimensions?
Flat rack containers come in a variety of sizes depending on your needs. Standard 20 ft and 40 ft square end. Here are the approximate dimensions of flat racks. The specific dimensions and the capacity will vary depending on the make and age of the container so the measurements below are an approximation.
Choosing the Right Size Container
When choosing a size for your flat rack container, you need to consider the size of your cargo. If your cargo is too big or too small for the space available, it can cause problems during transportation. If your cargo is too big for the flat rack, it may not be able to be transported safely. If your cargo is too small for the flat rack, there will be space in the container that could allow movement during transport and damage your cargo.
It can be a challenge to picture exactly how big a container can be. Here are a few everyday guidelines to help you.
Advantages of Using Flat Racks
The main advantage of using a flat rack container is that it can accommodate large, bulky items that wouldn’t fit in a standard shipping container. Other advantages of using a flat rack container include:
- Flat racks are easy to load. The versatility provided by flat racks allows them to be loaded and unloaded in a variety of ways. For example, flat racks can be loaded from the top using a crane, or from the side using a forklift. This makes them ideal for transporting goods that are difficult or impossible to load using traditional shipping containers.
- Flat racks are easy to stack and take up less room. Another advantage of flat racks is that they can be stacked on top of each other when not in use, which saves valuable storage space. When it comes time to ship your goods, simply unlatch the stacking pins and load your goods onto the flat rack. It’s that easy!
Because they are considered to be specialty containers and are not as readily available as a standard container, flat racks are on average more expensive than a standard shipping container.
Conclusion
In conclusion, flat rack containers are the perfect solution for transporting big, irregular items that cannot fit into standard containers. With their versatile loading options and ability to stack for efficient storage, flat racks provide convenience and flexibility. However, it’s important to choose the right-sized flat rack to ensure safe transportation and prevent any damage to the cargo. While flat racks may be more expensive than standard containers, their unique design and capabilities make them indispensable for shipping oversized and oddly shaped products.
On-Site Storage Solutions
Looking for the perfect solution to transport oversized or unique items? Look no further! Flat rack containers are the answer you’ve been searching for. At On-Site Storage Solutions, we are dedicated to providing top-notch storage solutions that are tailored to your specific needs.
Our professional and experienced team is always ready to assist you with any inquiries or questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (888) 405-8772 to learn more about our wide range of flat rack container options. We are here to help you find the perfect fit for your transportation needs and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A flat rack container is a type of shipping container with collapsible sides and ends, allowing for easy loading and unloading of oversized or irregularly-shaped cargo. It provides a flat, open platform for transporting goods that cannot fit in standard containers.
Flat rack containers are designed to be stackable when empty to save space during storage or transport. However, it’s important to note that when loaded, they should not be stacked due to the weight and stability considerations of the cargo being carried.
Flat rack containers are ideal for transporting heavy machinery, large vehicles, construction equipment, pipes, timber, and other bulky or irregularly-shaped items. Their open sides and ends allow for flexible loading options, making them versatile for various industries.
While flat rack containers provide an open platform, they may not offer the same level of weatherproofing as standard closed containers. It’s essential to consider weather conditions and protect the cargo accordingly, using waterproof coverings or securing items that may be affected by exposure to the elements.
The floor of a shipping container is commonly a 1-1/8 inch thick marine plywood. This particular type of plywood is specially designed to withstand the harsh conditions of marine environments, ensuring durability and strength. However, it is worth noting that certain containers may feature alternative flooring materials like bamboo, vinyl, or even steel.
