Flat Rack Containers: Dimensions, Uses and Loading Requirements
Quick Overview
- Main purpose: Carry suitable heavy, wide, tall or irregular cargo that needs an equipment-specific loading plan.
- Common nominal sizes: 20ft and 40ft; usable dimensions vary.
- End structures: May be fixed or collapsible, depending on the design.
- Weight check: Published payload does not confirm acceptance of a concentrated load.
- Before booking: Confirm cargo dimensions, end-wall position, lifting, securing and inland transport requirements.
This guide explains the equipment. It does not confirm flat rack availability or cargo acceptance on a particular iContainers route.
When to Consider a Flat Rack Container
Flat racks may suit construction equipment, industrial machinery, large components or substantial crates. Open sides can help where a load cannot pass through a closed container’s doors.
Selection requires more than checking whether the cargo fits on the deck. The support footprint, centre of gravity, loading equipment and destination unloading arrangements also matter.
For other equipment categories, see our shipping container types and dimensions guide.
Flat Rack Container Dimensions: Carrier Examples
The following figures are examples published by Hapag-Lloyd. They are not universal specifications or confirmed equipment for your shipment.
| Published measurement | 20ft flat rack example | 40ft High Cube flat rack example |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum inside length | 5.638 m | 11.652 m |
| Floor width | 2.438 m | 2.347 m |
| Minimum inside width | 2.194 m | 2.245 m |
| Inside reference height | 2.233 m | 2.265 m |
| Maximum gross mass | 45,000 kg | 55,000 kg |
| Tare | 2,900 kg | 5,900 kg |
| Maximum payload | 42,100 kg | 49,100 kg |
Floor width and minimum inside width are different measurements. End posts and other structures can restrict usable clearance. Request the equipment drawing and check the cargo’s position, supports and securing access.
The published height is a reference dimension, not an unrestricted cargo-height allowance. Confirm the permitted cargo envelope separately.
How Much Weight Can a Flat Rack Carry?
Payload = maximum gross mass − tare
Payload must accommodate the cargo, packaging, bedding and securing materials carried on the unit. It does not automatically represent the permissible weight of one machine.
The accepted load can depend on resting length, support locations and how weight reaches the main structural beams. A short, heavy load can require a lower limit or a specially reviewed support arrangement. Do not assess concentrated loads from total weight divided by deck area alone.
The road leg, handling equipment and carrier requirements can impose further limits.
End Walls and Out-of-Gauge Cargo
Do not assume that collapsible end walls can be lowered for every shipment. Their position must match the declared and accepted configuration. A platform arrangement needs its own confirmation.
Out-of-gauge (OOG) assessment uses the carrier’s applicable envelope and declaration rules. Include packaging, supports, projections and lashing equipment in the final measurements. Internal dimensions alone do not determine OOG status.
Changes after quoting can affect acceptance, space allocation and charges. Provide updated dimensions before handover.
Loading, Lifting and Securing Requirements
Agree the method with the responsible packing, lifting and transport teams.
- Support and balance: Identify the centre of gravity, contact points and resting length. Have the bedding arrangement reviewed for the actual unit.
- Lifting: Supply documented cargo lifting points, handling restrictions and the proposed method. Cargo lifting and lifting the loaded flat rack are separate operations.
- Securing: Use a reviewed arrangement addressing sliding and tipping, with suitable blocking, bracing and lashings.
- Equipment limits: Check securing-point ratings and material compatibility. Do not weld, drill or modify the rack’s structure.
- Protection and records: Specify weather protection and any required packing, lashing or inspection evidence.
A generic strap count is not a substitute for a load-specific securing assessment. Where SOLAS VGM requirements apply, arrange the required verification of the packed container’s gross mass; cargo weight alone is not VGM.
Flat Rack vs Open Top Container
| Consideration | Flat rack | Open top |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Base and end structures; no fixed side walls or roof | Side and end walls with an openable top arrangement |
| Access | May allow side or overhead loading | Often considered where overhead loading is needed |
| Cargo width | Potential option for overwidth cargo, subject to acceptance | Side walls constrain usable width |
| Cargo support | Requires review of deck support and concentrated loads | Requires review of floor loading and internal clearances |
| Weather exposure | Cargo needs suitable protection | Covering and packaging arrangements need confirmation |
An open top is worth comparing when cargo fits within the side-wall constraints but needs top access. A flat rack may be worth reviewing when side access or width is the main issue. Neither option guarantees acceptance.
Read our open-top container guide for the alternative.
Information Needed for a Flat Rack Quote
| Information | Details to provide |
|---|---|
| Route and timing | Collection and delivery addresses, proposed ports if known, cargo-ready date and required delivery window. |
| Cargo identity | Description, quantity, condition and any regulated or hazardous characteristics. |
| Packed dimensions | Length, width and height of each piece, including supports, packaging and projections. |
| Weight and support | Gross weight per piece, centre of gravity and drawings of contact points or skids. |
| Handling | Lifting points, proposed lifting method, site access and equipment at both ends. |
| Securing and protection | Proposed bedding, lashing and weather protection; photographs and technical drawings. |
| Service scope | Required pickup, packing, lifting, customs work, surveys and final delivery; identify what remains unconfirmed. |
Ask whether the review also needs the total loaded-unit envelope, end-wall position, a lashing certificate or other technical evidence. Confirm what the quote includes and which approvals remain outstanding.
Discuss the Equipment Before Booking
Send the shipment details to iContainers to ask whether a suitable equipment and service option can be reviewed. Confirm availability, cargo acceptance and the complete transport scope before booking.
- 1. Quick Overview
- 2. When to Consider a Flat Rack Container
- 3. Flat Rack Container Dimensions: Carrier Examples
- 4. How Much Weight Can a Flat Rack Carry?
- 5. End Walls and Out-of-Gauge Cargo
- 6. Loading, Lifting and Securing Requirements
- 7. Flat Rack vs Open Top Container
- 8. Information Needed for a Flat Rack Quote
- 9. Discuss the Equipment Before Booking
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