Do enormous and uniquely shaped products give you a headache when shipping and thinking that a traditional box won't be there to help? I introduce to you the flat rack container!
What Is A Flat Rack Container?
A flat rack is typically used to transport or store merchandise with irregular dimensions. Flat racks only have sides on the short side of the container, the bulkheads, allowing the goods to hang out on the side during transit.
They can hold numerous units in a tiny space, which makes them useful for various transit circumstances. These containers can be built in a form that allows for the vertical stacking of multiple containers.
There are two types of flat racks in addition to their two dimensions. Flat racks with fixed ends and folding flat racks.
Collapsible Flat Rack Containers
This kind of rack has retractable walls that give an advantage in terms of storage and transport. Yet, this rack is weaker than the other rack since it has no solid walls. A collapsible flat rack features collapsible sides that allow the empty container to be shipped more effectively. Four folding flat racks take up the same amount of area as one standard dry van container!
The walls may be detached or folded to various extents of convenience. The main problem with this container, though, is its strength. They distribute stresses uniformly and prevent point loads from developing. A foldable wall, however, defeats the purpose of doing so and weakens the building. Therefore, utilizing collapsible flat racks requires caution.
Non-Collapsible Flat Rack Containers
This kind of rack has a fixed wall at both ends which adds more security and protection to a product. Unfortunately, when unused, it will take up a large amount of area. The short sides of a fixed-end flat rack have fixed ends. Because fixed-end flat acks are often more robust in construction, they can withstand higher top weights.
They can therefore carry weights and transmit them to the floor and containers below them, making them simpler to transport when stacked.
However, because it takes up a lot of room when not in use, storage might be a problem. The use of flat rack containers in their non-collapsible form has only this one drawback.
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What Are The Sizes?
Flat racks are typically available in two sizes: 20 feet and 40 feet. The option is determined by the size of the load. Typically, the only difference between these two categories is their length.
The standard size of a flat rack is 20 ft or 40 ft and is without a roof but has long walls with supporting poles that hold cargo with heights of more than 40 ft long and 8 ft wide and weight of more than 29 tons (26,300 kg).
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the one that sets the standard sizes of flat rack containers. Manufacturers follow these standards given by ISO.
20FT Flat Rack Container
| Measure | 20FT Container |
| Internal height | 2.35 m / 7.7 ft |
| Internal length | 65.94 m / 19.5 ft |
| Internal width | 2.35 m / 7.7 ft |
40FT Flat Rack Container
| Measure | 40FT Container |
| Internal height | 2.14 m / 7 ft |
| Internal length | 12.13 m / 39.8 ft |
| Internal width | 2.40 m / 7.9 ft |
What Is The Allowed Content Weights?
The Tare weight, Gross weight, and Payload are the three primary weights. When the container is in service or before it is repainted for another application, these are painted on the outside of the container doors.
The container Tare weight is the container's weight without freight or contents. The container's Gross weight is the weight of the container plus the maximum Payload it can hold, i.e. the container's maximum total weight.
| Measure | 20FT Container |
| Tare Weight | 2,360 kg / 5,203.8 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 30480 kg |
| Pay Load (Net Weight) | 30,140 kg / 66,458.7 lbs |
| Measure | 40FT Container |
| Tare Weight | 5,000 kg / 11,025 lbs |
| Max Gross Weigh | 40,000 kg |
| Pay Load (Net Weight) | 62.2 m³ / 2,195.7 cu ft |
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Why Should You Use A Flat Rack Container?
The world's best new steel, which can weigh up to 2.3 times as much as regular steel, is used in the flat rack container. It can load significantly more items than regular containers, which lowers time and shipping costs. As a result, the industry has offered and preferred it.
Before deciding what flat rack to use, you must consider these things:
- Type of Cargo
- Concentrated load
- Payload
- Process for loading and unloading
What Are The Advantages?
This kind of rack has retractable walls that give an advantage in terms of storage and transport. Yet, this rack is weaker than the other rack since it has no solid walls. A collapsible flat rack features collapsible sides that allow the empty container to be shipped more effectively. Four folding flat racks take up the same amount of area as one standard dry van container.
The walls may be detached or folded to various extents of convenience. The main problem with this container, though, is its strength. They distribute stresses uniformly and prevent point loads from developing. A foldable wall, however, defeats the purpose of doing so and weakens the building. Therefore, utilizing collapsible flat racks requires caution.
What Are The Disadvantages?
Because they have open sides and tops, cargo must be covered with a waterproof tarp. This must be carefully secured to prevent water from harming the payload. Tarpaulins are not included with flat racks; not all shipping lines will offer them at all ports, and some will give them at an additional expense.
How Flat Rack Containers Can Benefit You Compared To Other Containers?
As you can see, flat rack containers are larger and can store more weight than regular shipping containers. As a result, they are ideal for transporting big or enormous freight.
What Are The Results Of Flat Rack Container Shipping Compared To Airfreight?
Flat rack containers, which feature a flat, level floor with no sidewalls or supports, are used to convey things that are too large or heavy to fit inside a regular shipping container. Loading flat rack containers can occur from the top, side, or end. They are frequently loaded using a crane or forklift.
Conclusion
Flat containers have several advantages over square or rectangle-shaped containers. They are easier to store and transport, and they take up less space. Flat containers are also easier to stack, making them ideal for warehouses and other storage facilities.
We can quickly ship 20ft and 40ft flat racks practically anywhere in the world. View our selection of flat racks on our website or contact us for a custom quote!
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