Flat Rack Container: Dimensions, Types, and Uses

A Flat Rack Container is a type of cargo shipping container designed without a roof and side walls. It consists of a strong base or deck and end walls on both sides. This open structure allows cargo to be loaded from the top, sides, or ends using cranes or forklifts.

Unlike standard dry containers, Flat Rack containers are built to handle heavy loads and out of gauge cargo. This refers to goods that are too large, too heavy, or irregularly shaped so they cannot fit inside enclosed containers. Because of this capability, Flat Rack containers are widely used in construction, energy, automotive, and heavy manufacturing industries worldwide.

These containers are available in two main sizes, 20 feet and 40 feet. They are commonly used in global logistics across sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and even military operations. In Indonesia, Flat Rack units are often used for infrastructure projects and manufacturing industries that require transporting heavy equipment across islands or for export and import activities.

Tradecorp Indonesia acts as a trusted partner by providing Flat Rack Containers for sale or rental with a fast, transparent, and efficient process. Below is a complete overview of their dimensions, types, and uses.

Daftar isi

1 Flat Rack Container Dimensions
2 Types of Flat Rack Containers
3 Uses of Flat Rack Containers
4 How Cargo is Loaded and Transported
5 Difference Between Flat Rack Containers and Roll Trailers
6 Flat Rack Container Prices
7 Why Choose Tradecorp?
8 FAQ

Flat Rack Container Dimensions

Flat Rack Containers are available in two standard ISO sizes commonly used worldwide. Below are the specifications.

20′ Collapsible Flat Rack

Specification	Imperial	Metric
External Dimensions	L 20′ x W 8′ x H 8’6″	L 6,058 x W 2,438 x H 2,591 m
Tare Weight	6,610 lbs	3,000 kg
Max Operating Gross Weight	74,950 lbs	34,000 kg
End Wall Strength		91,230 newton

Features include collapsible end walls, Corten steel structure, and hardwood flooring.

40′ Flat Rack

Specification	Imperial	Metric
External Dimensions	L 40′ x W 8′ x H 8’6″	L 12,192 x W 2,438 x H 2,591 m
Tare Weight	11,240 lbs	5,100 kg
Max Payload	104,500 lbs	47,400 kg
Max Cargo (Gross)	115,740 lbs	52,500 kg

Features include collapsible ends, lashing points, forklift pockets, corner castings, and hardwood flooring.

Note that specifications may vary depending on the unit condition and manufacturer. New units are typically equipped with a valid CSC plate for international shipping.

Types of Flat Rack Containers

Flat Rack Containers can be classified based on their end wall design.

1. Collapsible Flat Rack

This type has end walls that can be folded down or removed when the container is empty. It consists of a steel frame base, hardwood flooring, and foldable end walls.

The end walls are strong enough to secure cargo and allow stacking of multiple units. One of its main advantages is space efficiency during return shipping. Up to four empty units can be stacked in the space of a single standard container, which significantly reduces repositioning costs.

This type is suitable for companies with frequent two way shipments, regular routes, and a need to optimize logistics costs.

2. Non Collapsible or Fixed End Flat Rack

This type has permanent end walls that cannot be folded. Its structure is more rigid and provides higher load capacity as well as stronger support.

It is ideal for extremely heavy cargo, uneven load distribution, and one way shipments where return efficiency is not a priority.

Uses of Flat Rack Containers

Flat Rack Containers are designed for out of gauge cargo that cannot fit into standard enclosed containers due to size, weight, or shape.

Their open structure allows flexible loading from multiple directions using cranes and forklifts.

Industries and Cargo Types

Industry	Cargo Type
Construction and Infrastructure	Steel beams, girders, pipes, turbines, excavators, bulldozers, cranes
Steel and Fabrication	Long beams, steel plates, welded modules
Mining and Heavy Industry	Crushers, mills, tracked vehicles, buckets
Transportation and Automotive	Trucks, buses, construction vehicles, boats
Energy and Power	Wind turbine blades, transformers, generators, boilers
Infrastructure	Bridge segments, pipe spools, culverts, precast structures
Oil and Gas	Drilling equipment, pipes, offshore components
Agriculture	Tractors, irrigation equipment, large machinery
Military and Government	Armored vehicles, shelters, field equipment

How Cargo is Loaded and Transported

Flat Rack Containers function as heavy duty open platforms. Their design provides flexibility for handling oversized cargo.

Loading Process

Cargo is lifted onto the container using cranes or forklifts, or moved from the side. Once positioned, it is secured using lashing rings and winches attached to the deck.

Chains or straps are applied based on the weight and shape of the cargo. Dunnage and edge protection are used to prevent damage. Documentation and proper checks are important to ensure compliance with shipping requirements.

Shipping Process

After securing the cargo, the container is loaded onto a vessel using crane lifting methods. Flat Rack containers can be stacked to optimize space usage on ships.

In certain situations, they can also function as a supporting platform for extremely large cargo that cannot be stored in enclosed areas.

Difference Between Flat Rack Containers and Roll Trailers

Feature	Flat Rack Container	Roll Trailer
Structure	Fixed platform with end walls and no roof or side walls	Wheeled platform with low deck and ramp
Mobility	Lifted by crane	Moves using wheels or towing
Loading Method	Loaded by crane or forklift	Roll on and roll off loading
Size Standard	ISO 20 ft and 40 ft	Variable sizes
Main Use	Global oversized cargo transport	Short distance transport with RoRo vessels
Handling	Requires crane	No crane required
Empty Storage	Collapsible units save space	More difficult to stack

Flat Rack Containers are more suitable for global multimodal transport, while roll trailers are more efficient for wheeled cargo on short routes.

Flat Rack Container Prices

Estimated prices in Indonesia are as follows.

Size	Price
20 ft Flat Rack	Starting from IDR 45,000,000
40 ft Flat Rack	Starting from IDR 75,000,000

Prices may vary depending on condition, availability, and delivery location.

Why Choose Tradecorp?

Tradecorp Indonesia is not just a container supplier. It is a logistics partner that understands the importance of speed and reliability in handling heavy cargo.

Available stock ensures no delays.
Materials are verified and built using durable Corten steel with strong hardwood flooring.
Units comply with ISO and CSC standards for international shipping.
Pricing is transparent with no hidden costs.
The ordering process is simple and efficient. Both purchase and rental options are available.
Delivery coverage spans across Indonesia.

FAQ

What is the difference between 20 ft and 40 ft Flat Rack?

The 40 ft unit is longer and has a higher payload capacity, making it suitable for large and heavy cargo. The 20 ft unit is more suitable for medium sized equipment.