Flat rack containers for out of gauge cargo
A flat rack is a shipping container with no side walls and no roof, built to carry cargo that does not fit inside a standard box: machinery, pipes, vehicles, timber, prefabricated structures, anything wider, taller or heavier than a dry container will take. Available for sale or rental, new or used, from our depot next to the Port of Algeciras.
SALE
New or used
Inspected and tested units
RENTAL
Single project or long term
With the option to buy later
In stock · Estimated delivery 3 to 5 working days
What a flat rack shipping container is built for
The floor is reinforced to carry concentrated point loads, which is what separates a flat rack from a standard container with its doors open. The end walls can be fixed or collapsible: fixed end is stronger and the usual choice when the cargo needs something to lash against at both ends; collapsible costs more per unit but several empties stack into the space of one, which matters when the unit has to be repositioned after delivery. If the flat rack travels full one way and comes back empty, collapsible usually pays for itself. If it stays loaded or stays put, fixed end is the better buy.
Flat rack container sizes: 20 ft and 40 ft
Flat racks come in 20 and 40 ft. Payload varies by unit and by build, so we confirm the exact rating of the specific container before it leaves the depot. On a flat rack this matters more than on a dry container, because the limit is usually weight and load distribution rather than volume. Reference values below.
| Specification | 20 ft flat rack | 40 ft flat rack |
|---|---|---|
| External length | 6.06 m | 12.19 m |
| External width | 2.44 m | 2.44 m |
| External height | 2.23 m | 2.04 m |
| Tare weight | approx. 2,750 kg | approx. 5,480 kg |
| Max payload | approx. 30,140 kg | approx. 39,340 kg |
| Floor | Reinforced, with lashing rings | Reinforced, with lashing rings |
| Certification | CSC · ISO 668 | CSC · ISO 668 |
Indicative figures; they vary by manufacturer and build. We confirm the exact rating of the specific unit before dispatch.
Flat rack grades: structural condition first
We supply flat racks as one-trip, Grade A and Grade B used units. On a flat rack, grade matters less for weatherproofing, since there is nothing to seal, and more for structural condition: the deck, the lashing points and the end wall mountings. That is what we inspect and what we report to you. Cargo worthy certification is the relevant standard here, because a flat rack is almost always bought to be shipped rather than to stand still.
One-trip (new)
Effectively new: one loaded voyage from the factory. Deck, lashing points and end walls as built.
Grade A (used)
Previous service, good overall condition, fully functional and cargo worthy.
Grade B (used)
Visible signs of use, structurally sound and fully functional. Keener price.
Flat rack containers for sale or rent
Most flat racks are bought for a repeat movement or a fleet, and rented for a single project with an end date. If you are moving one oversized load once, renting is almost always the cheaper answer. If the movement repeats, the maths flips quickly. We hold permanent stock in Palmones (Cádiz) and work with partner depots in the main ports of Spain and Europe.
Flat rack delivery from the Port of Algeciras
Our depot sits in Palmones, Los Barrios, beside the Port of Algeciras. For flat racks that is useful in a specific way: out of gauge cargo is easier to plan when the equipment is already at the port it will sail from. We deliver across Spain by road and ship internationally, including sea freight.
Crane truck for yards with limited access.
Side loader or hook truck for sites without a crane.
Special movements to construction sites, ports and project locations.
Delivery across Spain and international shipping by sea.
Out of gauge cargo and documentation
Out of gauge: cargo that overhangs the deck in any direction is out of gauge. It occupies the slots around it, it is quoted differently and the lashing has to be approved. We can tell you whether your load will be out of gauge, and in which direction, before you commit to a size.
Delivery and transport: across Spain from our base in Palmones (Cádiz) and worldwide by sea. Transport is quoted by destination and included in the quote.
Inspection and CSC: every unit is inspected before release. We report deck, lashing point and end wall condition and whether the CSC plate is current.
Advice: our team helps you choose between fixed end and collapsible, and between buying and renting, with no obligation.
BENEFITS
Built for heavy loads, delivered wherever they ship from
A reinforced floor takes very heavy point loads and lashing rings let you secure the cargo properly. With the end walls folded, several flat racks stack to cut the cost of the return trip. Available new or used.
Collapsible end walls
Fold flat to load from the sides and stack empties for the return leg.
Reinforced floor
Takes very heavy and concentrated point loads.
Lashing points
Rings to secure the cargo safely for the voyage.
Crane loading
Ideal for machinery and project cargo loaded from above.
20 and 40 ft
Choose by the length and weight of the load.
New or used
One-trip, Grade A or Grade B to suit your budget.
USES
Flat rack container uses by industry
Machinery
Industrial machinery and plant relocation
Construction
Pipes, beams, prefabricated modules and site materials
Vehicles
Vehicles, tractors and rolling machinery
Industry
Coils, tanks, steel and large components
Energy
Wind, solar and project cargo components
Marine
Boats and bulky marine equipment
CERTIFICATES AND GUARANTEES
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a flat rack container?
A container with no sides and no roof, with a reinforced floor, used for cargo that will not fit inside a standard box: machinery, pipes, coils, vehicles or project material. It can be loaded by crane from above or from the sides.
How much weight can a flat rack carry?
It depends on the specific container and on how the load is distributed, not just on its total weight. Tell us what you are moving and we will confirm the rating of the unit we would supply.
Fixed end or collapsible: which do I need?
Collapsible if the unit will be repositioned empty, because several fold into the space of one. Fixed end if it stays loaded or stays in place.
Can I ship cargo that overhangs the deck?
Yes, but it becomes out of gauge cargo, which affects how it is stowed, lashed and quoted. We will tell you before you book.
Can I rent a flat rack for a single shipment?
Yes. For one movement, renting is usually the cheaper option. If the movement repeats, buying pays off quickly.
Do you supply flat racks outside Spain?
Yes. We sell and transport internationally from our depot beside the Port of Algeciras, including sea freight.
CONTACT
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