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Flat rack container: dimensions, load capacity and when you need one
Flat rack container: dimensions, load capacity and when you need one
You need a flat rack container as soon as your cargo no longer fits through the door of an ordinary container, or it does fit but can no longer be loaded in. A machine that is 2.80 meters wide, a transformer that can only be installed from above with a crane, and a batch of steel props measuring eleven meters: these are no exceptions in project logistics, and a closed container is then not an option.
A flat rack is essentially a reinforced load deck with two cargo beams. No roof, no side walls. You load from above, from the sides, or through the side beams, using a crane or a forklift. Here are the dimensions, how to read the load capacity of a specific unit, and how to choose between a flat rack and an open top.
Flat rack dimensions: 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube
The external dimensions of a flat rack follow the same ISO 668 standard as Other sea containers. This makes it suitable for stacking on board, on a container chassis and in the spreader of a crane.
| Type | Outside dimensions (l × b × h) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft flat rack | 6,058 × 2,438 × 2,591 mm | short, compact and heavy loads, such as machines and transformers |
| 40ft flat rack | 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.591 mm | long load: steel structures, pipes, wood, vehicles |
| 40ft high cube flat rack | 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.896 mm | long load that builds up higher, with higher head sections |
Two things are not included in such a table and make the difference in practice. The usable length between the head sections and the height of the loading deck above the ground differ per manufacturer and per model year. If you work with cargo that fits within the centimeter range, ask for the specifications of the actual unit instead of assuming a standard size.
And because there are no side walls, the width of 2,438 mm is not a hard limit for your cargo. Cargo can protrude over the side. That is exactly what you choose a flat rack for, but there are consequences for the transport, more about that later.
Fixed or collapsible end walls
Flat racks come in with fixed head sections and foldable head sections. Fixed head sections are the simplest and strongest version. Foldable head sections have one major advantage: you can stack multiple flat racks on top of each other and return them as one package. In projects where the flat rack has to be returned after delivery, this saves a large part of the return costs.
If the flat rack has to stay at the destination, or you mainly use it on one fixed route, that advantage is smaller and the simplicity of fixed end walls carries more weight.
Loading capacity of a flat rack: read the CSC plate, not the brochure
The loading capacity of a flat rack container is not a fixed number per size. It depends on the manufacturer, the year of construction, and the configuration. The calculation rule is always the same:
load capacity = maximum gross weight − tare weight
Both numbers are listed on the CSC plate of the container. The maximum gross weight is the maximum weight for which the unit was built and approved. The tare weight is the actual weight, and that is higher for a flat rack than for a closed container of the same size, because the floor and chassis have to support the entire weight without the help of walls and roof. So never assume the load capacity of a standard dry container for a flat rack.
The number on the plate refers to weight that is evenly distributed across the floor. A twenty-ton machine standing on a two-meter floor will load the structure very differently than twenty tons distributed over the full length. If you have heavy load with a small support surface, then factor in the manufacturer’s specifications for concentrated load, or distribute the weight with beams or steel plates under the load.
If your cargo and the flat rack together exceed the maximum allowed for the road, you are still subject to a permit for road transport anyway. More about this below.
When should you choose a flat rack, and when an open top?
One open top container It is often mentioned in the same breath as the flat rack, but it solves another problem. An open top has side walls and a removable cover. You load from above, but the cargo must remain within the width of the container. A flat rack has no side walls: cargo that is wider than 2.44 meters, or that you have to load from the side, belongs on a flat rack.
| Situation | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The charging port fits through the door and can be charged inside. | Standard container | Cheapest, closest and closable |
| The loading area is too high for the door, but not too wide. | open top | loading by crane from above, cargo stays within the walls and under the tarpaulin |
| The loading bay is wider than the container | flat rack | no side walls, cargo may protrude over the side |
| Loading can only be done from the side, for example with a forklift truck. | flat rack | open sides |
| Heavy load with a small support surface | flat rack | reinforced floor, many hooking points |
| The charging point must be protected against weather and vandalism | open top, or flat rack with its own cover | A flat rack does not provide any protection itself. |
| One-time project; no need for flat rack after that | renting of flat rack | prevents a unit from stopping after the project has finished |
If you’re unsure between the two, start with the width. If the load fits within the walls, an open top is usually easier to plan and better protected. If it doesn’t fit, the discussion ends there.
What to arrange in advance when your cargo protrudes
Cargo that protrudes over the side or above the head sections is called out of gauge in shipping. That is fine, but it requires preparation that does not apply to a closed container.
On board. Excellent cargo takes up space in the container positions next to or above them. Shipping companies therefore only accept out-of-gauge cargo after registration with the exact dimensions and weight, and usually charge a fee for it. Therefore, please report the cargo to your shipping company or shipping company in time, with a drawing or photos.
On the road. A flat rack with cargo that is wider than 2.55 meters or with the trailer higher than 4 meters falls under exceptional transport in the Netherlands. For this, you need a exemption from the RDW required, sometimes with guidance and fixed routes. Include that duration in your planning.
Shoring. On a flat rack, no wall will hold the load. Anything that stays in place will stay there thanks to the strap. Work according to the CTU Code of the IMO, ILO and UNECE, The International Code of Practice for loading and securing containers. Check beforehand that the anchor points of the unit are strong enough and well-positioned for your load.
What RCC modifies on a flat rack
RCC delivers flat rack containers in 20ft, 40ft and 40ft high cube, new (A-grade) or used (B-grade), for sale and for rent. Every flat rack we deliver is CSC-certified according to the CSC Treaty, So you can deploy it directly by sea, road and rail. If you want the unit to be registered under your own prefix, we will arrange that.
If the standard version doesn’t quite fit your cargo, we can customize the flat rack in our own workshop in Rotterdam-Botlek: extra tie-down points, wooden or steel floor panels, a different coating, or a rack that holds the cargo in place. This is often faster and cheaper than planning a project around a unit that doesn’t fit.
One thing to keep in mind early on: flat racks are scarcer than standard containers, and delivery times are often longer. If a project is coming up, ask about availability during the planning phase. For one-time project loads, renting is usually the most cost-effective option, while buying for regular use pays off. We would be happy to discuss both options with you.
View the performances and request a quote via the page Buying or renting flat rack containers. Please send us the dimensions and weight of your cargo, and we will work with you to find the best solution.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a flat rack container? The external dimensions follow the ISO standard: a 20ft flat rack is 6.058 × 2.438 × 2.591 mm, a 40ft flat rack is 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.591 mm and a 40ft high cube flat rack is 12.192 × 2.438 × 2.896 mm. The usable length between the head sections and the height of the loading deck vary per manufacturer.
How much weight can be placed on a flat rack? This varies per unit. Subtract the tare weight from the maximum gross weight; both are listed on the CSC plate. When loading heavy loads with a small support surface, also pay attention to the permitted concentrated load of the floor.
What is the difference between a flat rack and an open top container? An open top has side walls and a removable cover; the cargo remains within the width of the container. A flat rack has no roof or side walls, so cargo can be wider than 2.44 meters and can also be loaded from the side.
Can cargo protrude over the side of a flat rack? Yes, a flat rack is intended for that purpose. On board, the cargo must be declared as out of gauge in advance, and on Dutch roads, you need a special permit for exceptionally long shipments exceeding 2.55 meters in width or 4 meters in total height.
Can you rent a flat rack instead of buying one? Yes. For one-time project loads, renting is often cheaper; for regular use, buying is more cost-effective. Since flat racks are more scarce than standard containers, it’s advisable to inquire about availability early on.
