Flat Rack Container

What are Flat Rack Containers?

Container Family is a leading China flat rack container manufacturer. A Flat Rack Container is similar to any other type of shipping container with the slight difference that it does not have two side walls (longer ones) and is devoid of a roof. So, it contains a solid base and two walls (shorter ones), which makes it appear as a rack, thus giving it the unique name, Flat Rack Containers.

This kind of container is mainly ideal for large-sized, bulky, and heavy-duty cargoes that do not readily fit in a regular standard container due to the restraints of space due to the walls and the roof. They are made up of strengthened steel to keep the structure rigid and sturdy. Heavy-duty tarpaulin sheets may be used to cover the containers on all sides to protect the goods from tampering while in transit. Or the container may be left open with the goods individually packaged. To secure the cover on the container structure, pad eyes, lashing rings, and clamp locks are used.

Types of Flat Rack Containers

Based on the design and support, these are mainly of two types:

Non-Collapsible Flat Rack Containers:

These containers have non-removable solid walls. These variants are comparatively much stronger and structurally stiffer than their counterparts. They are more convenient for shipping as the walls and floors can bear the weight of loads when in transit avoiding the danger of damage due to slipping. But the only disadvantage with these types of containers is that when not in use, stowing is a concern as they use plenty of space.

Collapsible Flat Rack Containers:

The collapsible variant has walls (longer ones) on either side that can be collapsed when not in use. They are either detached or folded down to the base of the container. These are comparatively easier for storage as they have no vertical height. But the main issue is mainly about the strength as a collapsible wall does not help in dispersing the forces and there may be the formation of point loads. This results in the weakening of the structure. So, extra care must be taken with the collapsible flat rack containers.

What types of goods & cargo are shipped by Flat Rack Containers?

These containers are the ideal choice for transportation of heavy machinery, factory and industry parts and components, etc. due to the extra space provided by these containers. However, cargo needs extra attention while shipping via these containers.

The most common types of goods transported by flat rack containers being turboprop engines of planes as their diameter exceed the width of most of the containers thus flat racks are the ideal choice for transporting pieces of equipment as heavy as them. Other common cargoes that utilize flat racks are commercial automobiles, construction vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, and also pipes mainly the non-conventional large sized commercial pipes.