Flat Rack Containers
Our flat rack containers are built for cargo that cannot fit inside a standard shipping container. With no roof or fixed side walls, flat racks allow oversized, heavy, and irregularly shaped loads to be crane-loaded and strapped directly to the deck.
Advantages of Flat Rack Shipping Containers
Our flat rack containers are purpose-built for loads that standard containers cannot accommodate. From heavy plant machinery to oversized construction materials, every element of the design is focused on making awkward cargo safe to transport.
Unrestricted Loading from All Sides
With no roof or side walls, flat rack containers can be loaded from above, from the sides, or from either end. This makes them the only practical option for cargo that is too wide, too tall, or too heavy to fit through a standard container door.
High Payload Capacity
Flat rack containers are built to carry significantly heavier loads than standard shipping containers, with payloads of up to 30 tonnes on 20ft units and up to 40 tonnes on 40ft units.
Collapsible or Fixed End Options
Collapsible flat racks fold completely flat when not in use, making them easy to store and cost-effective to return ship. Fixed end flat racks provide rigid bulkheads at each end for loads that need to be braced against a solid structure.
CSC Plated for International Shipping
All our flat rack containers are built to full ISO standards and can come with a CSC plate, confirming they are inspected and approved for safe international shipping by sea.
Flat Rack Container Dimensions
| Specification | 20ft Flat Rack | 40ft Flat Rack |
|---|---|---|
| External Length | 6.058m (20ft) | 12.192m (40ft) |
| External Width | 2.438m (8ft) | 2.438m (8ft) |
| External Height | 2.591m (8ft 6in) | 2.591m (8ft 6in) |
| Internal Length | 5.940m (19ft 6in) | 12.130m (39ft 10in) |
| Internal Width | 2.292.350m (7ft 9in) | 2.400m (7ft 11in) |
| Side Height | 2.350m (7ft 9in) | 2.140m (7ft) |
| Floor Space | 13.96 m² (150 ft²) | 29.11 m² (313 ft²) |
| Internal Capacity | 28.40 m³ (1,003 cu ft) | 67.90 m³ (2,398 cu ft) |
| Tare Weight | 2,360 kg (5,203 lbs) | 5,000 kg (11,025 lbs) |
| Max Payload | 30,140 kg (66,459 lbs) | 40,000 kg (88,200 lbs) |
| Max Gross Weight | 34,000 kg (74,957 lbs) | 45,000 kg (99,208 lbs) |
| All measurements are approximate and based on standard ISO specifications. Small variations can apply between individual units. |
Why buy a flat rack container from Universal Containers
With over four decades of experience in the container industry, we understand what specialist cargo transport requires. We supply flat rack containers backed by expert advice and reliable service.
Built to last
Competitive pricing
Fast turnaround
Nationwide delivery
Get the right refrigerated container for your needs
With over 40 years of experience supplying new and used containers, we understand what different storage and access requirements demand. Our team can help you choose the right size, configuration, and features to get the most out of your flat rack container.
Get in touch for expert advice, product recommendations, or a custom quote based on your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a flat rack container?
A flat rack container is a shipping container with a heavy-duty steel deck and end walls but no roof or fixed side walls. This open design allows oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped cargo to be loaded from above or from the sides using a crane or forklift, then strapped securely to the deck for transport.
What is the difference between a collapsible and a fixed end flat rack?
A collapsible flat rack has end walls that fold flat against the deck when not in use, making it easier to store and cheaper to return ship. A fixed end flat rack has rigid, permanent end walls that provide a solid bracing point for loads that need to be secured against a bulkhead.
What flat rack container sizes are available?
A 20ft flat rack container has a maximum payload of approximately 30 tonnes, while a 40ft flat rack can carry up to 40 tonnes. These are significantly higher than standard shipping containers, which typically have payloads of 21–28 tonnes depending on size.
What are flat rack containers used for?
Flat rack containers are used to transport cargo that is too large, too heavy, or too awkwardly shaped for a standard container. Common loads include heavy plant machinery, vehicles, boats, large steel drums, pipes, construction beams, cable reels, and industrial equipment.
Can flat rack containers be stacked?
Collapsible flat racks can be folded flat and stacked for efficient storage and return shipping. Fixed end flat racks can be stacked using their corner castings, but the rigid end walls mean they take up more space when empty.
Check out our other specialised containers
Our containers in action
See some of the ways our amazing customers are using their containers.
Case StudiesBlackpool Zoo has rehomed a group of rescued Sulcata tortoises, several of them seized by UK customs from smugglers, in a converted 16ft shipping container on its Kidepo Trail.
Case StudiesUniversal Containers was commissioned to design and build a bespoke container gym for Salford City FC, providing players with a dedicated on-site training space.
Case StudiesDespite restricted site access, we delivered a fully insulated, light-filled container office with carefully planned glazing, heating and electrics. The finished space provides a practical, year-round working environment suited for everyday use.
Case StudiesWe built a fully functional compact coffee shop from a shipping container with doors for customer access, a roller shutter for security, a serving hatch, and a small kitchen area complete with water heater and sink.
Case StudiesIn the pursuit of enhancing their museum and workshop facility, the Locomotive Society sought a creative solution to provide a welcoming space for their members, while adhering to the historical aesthetic of their railway centric environment.
Case StudiesUniversal Containers embarked on an exciting project to enhance a garden centre’s retail experience by supplying and customising two shipping container cabins. The goal was to seamlessly link these cabins on-site and transform them into a vibrant and functional gift shop.
Case StudiesA restaurant had been operating successfully for several years. However, due to increasing demand and limited space within the restaurant premises, the owners decided to expand their operations by introducing an outdoor catering unit.
Case StudiesThe local rugby club had been using a small, outdated ticket booth that no longer met their needs. The club’s management sought a more efficient and visually appealing solution that could accommodate their growing fan base.
Case StudiesThe client, an Industrial Chemical Storage Company specialising in chemical production and storage, faced the challenge of storing hazardous chemicals on their premises while adhering to stringent health and safety regulations.
ShippingUniversal Containers take pride in continually pushing the boundaries in product development within the shipping container industry.
These 2 large 32x10ft cabins were built for a British transport company. They requested a large space to act as a welfare facility for drivers and staff in the peak district. Due to the customer’s specific requirements, one unit was not large enough so we suggested 2 units, however floor space was an issue on-siteContinue reading “32ft × 10ft Stacked Cabins”
OfficesThis particular office unit was completed for a North-West-based container hire company.
Custom Built Atex Coshh store for storing gas bottles. This unit was custom built with corrugated steel panels 20ft long x 10ft wide. It had a fully ventilated floor from galvanised steel mesh, as well as 4 aluminium louver vents in the walls. We also fitted galvanised box section racks with chains on to holdContinue reading “20×10 Gas Bottle Store”
Corrugated steel cabin 32ft x 10ft with adjustable jacklegs anti vandal steel personnel door and anti-vandal aluminium sliding windows in steel shutters. Painted externally in non-corrosive container paint in a vibrant red. Internally with walls where lined in a cost-effective melamine faced chipboard and fully insulated throughout in Rockwool. The floor had hard wearing vinylContinue reading “Corrugated 32×10 Office / Store room”
Standard shipping container transformed into a bespoke storage unit. With multiple purposes across many industries. For example, self-storage companies or engineering companies for members of staff to lock tools away when not in use. The unit was split evenly into 8 small rooms approximately 5ftx4ft each by steel partition walls for security. Each room withContinue reading “20ft Multi-Bay Unit”
10ft container conversion for an off-grid company custom built to house a very large generator. The customer wanted a unit with multiple apertures and louver vents to allow for ventilation, they wanted all openings to have cover hoods to help stop water coming in. The Universal CAD team had a meeting with the client toContinue reading “10ft Generator Housing Container”
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