Flat Rack Container Shipping: Types, Suitable Cargo and Process

Table of contents: I. What is a Flat Rack container? II. What cargo is suitable for Flat Rack containers? III. Advantages of using Flat Rack containers IV. Flat Rack container shipping process

I. What is a Flat Rack container?

A Flat Rack container is one of the most practical options for shipping project cargo that is too wide, too long or too heavy for a standard container. This article explains what a Flat Rack is, its types, suitable cargo, key advantages and the Flat Rack container shipping process at H-Cargo.

1. Definition and purpose of a Flat Rack container

• A Flat Rack (FR) container has a reinforced load-bearing floor and two end walls, which can be fixed or collapsible, but no side walls and no roof. This open design lets cargo be loaded from the top or the sides by crane or forklift and allows cargo to extend beyond the container's width or height when necessary.

• Flat Racks are mainly used for large machinery, equipment and structures that cannot be dismantled and do not fit inside a standard dry container.

2. Types and dimensions of Flat Rack containers

Flat Racks come in two common sizes: 20' FR and 40' FR. Exact internal dimensions and maximum payload vary by carrier and container series, so always confirm the specifications of the actual container with the shipping line before booking. The image below shows typical dimensions of a 20' FR and a 40' FR.

Typical dimensions of 20' and 40' Flat Rack containers

II. What cargo is suitable for Flat Rack containers?

Flat Racks are preferred for cargo that is oversized, awkwardly shaped or cannot be packed in the usual way. Typical examples include:

• Industrial machinery: Large, heavy industrial equipment often needs a Flat Rack to be shipped safely and efficiently.

• Construction materials: Steel columns, beams, pipes and other long, bulky materials are well suited to Flat Racks.

• Irregularly shaped cargo: Steel plates, pipes, timber or items with unusual shapes are secured more easily on an open platform.

• Out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo: Items that exceed the dimensions of a standard container usually need a Flat Rack to travel safely.

III. Advantages of using Flat Rack containers

• The 20' and 40' Flat Racks each have their own strengths. A 20' FR suits short but heavy units such as compact machinery, transformers or heavy coils, where a strong floor matters more than length. Its compact footprint also makes it flexible to position and handle at ports and on trucks.

• A 40' FR offers a longer deck for long or bulky items such as steel structures, pipes and long machinery components, and can carry more volume per unit than a 20' FR. Choosing the right size, together with proper lashing and securing, keeps oversized cargo safe and helps control total transport costs.

IV. Flat Rack container shipping process

Step 1: Receive shipment information

The customer provides preliminary shipment information, such as:

• Name of the goods

• Cargo specifications (quantity, dimensions, weight)

• Pickup and delivery addresses

• Photos or drawings of the cargo

• Transport route

• Agreed transport and delivery schedule

Step 2: Survey

• H-Cargo surveys the actual cargo dimensions and the transport route.

• The route survey identifies obstacles and constraints in advance to save time and cost for the customer.

• Dimensions and weight are checked against the information provided by the customer to choose the right transport solution.

Step 3: Transport and packing advice

• Based on the actual measurements and cargo classification, H-Cargo advises on the transport solution and on how to position the cargo on the container and truck.

• Packing advice is provided for cargo that is easily damaged.

Step 4: Sign the contract

• After the consultation, both parties agree on the freight rate and sign the transport contract.

Step 5: Transport the cargo

• Once the contract is signed and the transport date is confirmed, H-Cargo dispatches trucks to the pickup point and moves the cargo to the agreed destination under the contract.

V. Photos of Flat Rack container shipments

Below are photos of Flat Rack shipments handled by H-Cargo.

Oversized cargo shipped on a Flat Rack container

Oversized cargo shipped on a Flat Rack container

Related articles: 
- Comparison: Break Bulk vs Flat Rack vs Open Top
- Guide: Project cargo lashing and securing

We hope this article helps you better understand Flat Rack container shipping. If you need to ship cargo by Flat Rack, contact H-Cargo for a free consultation.

Contact us for a free consultation: H-Cargo International Logistics · 113-115 Ung Van Khiem St., Ward Thanh My Tay, Ho Chi Minh City · Tel: +84 888 909 186 · Email: jack.tran@hcargovn.com · Web: www.hcargovn.com