20ft Flat Rack Container

Shipping Containers of Birmingham supplies 20ft flat rack containers to businesses handling cargo that exceeds the width or height of a standard unit. These specialist units are the primary choice for "Out of Gauge" (OOG) shipping. OOG describes cargo that cannot fit within the walls of a standard closed container. Using a flat rack, you can transport heavy plant machinery, large industrial parts, and oversized vehicles that require side- or overhead-loading.

We supply these robust units to engineering firms, construction contractors, and manufacturing hubs throughout the West Midlands. Whether you need to buy shipping containers for permanent site use or hire containers for a specific logistics project, the 20ft flat rack provides the heavy-duty foundation required for extreme loads.

Dimensions and Technical Specifications

The 20ft flat rack features a reinforced steel floor designed to handle concentrated point loads that would damage a standard container. Every unit provided by Shipping Containers of Birmingham includes a valid CSC plate. The Container Safe Convention (CSC) plate is a safety certificate confirming the unit is structurally sound for international transport and stacking. In logistics terms, tare weight refers to the weight of the empty container, while payload is the maximum cargo weight it can carry.

Measurements may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the unit's age. Because of the heavy-duty steel understructure, the floor height is higher than that of a standard dry van. If your cargo has strict height limits, contact Shipping Containers of Birmingham to verify the specific dimensions of our current stock. For cargo exceeding 20 feet in length, we also supply the 40ft flat rack container.

Key Structural Features

The 20ft flat rack is engineered for maximum strength and ease of access. Shipping Containers of Birmingham ensures all units are maintained to high industrial standards.

Collapsible End Walls

Our flat racks feature collapsible end walls that fold flush into the floor. This provides two major advantages. First, it allows the unit to carry cargo that is longer than 20 feet. Second, multiple empty units can be stacked together into a “bundle.” This allows a single truck to deliver or return several flat racks at once, which significantly reduces your transport costs.

Flexible Loading Options

Without side walls or a roof, the 20ft flat rack offers total loading freedom. You can use a crane to lower equipment from above or a heavy-duty forklift to load from either side. This makes it the only practical solution for wide machinery, such as tractors, excavators, or large cable reels, which would never pass through the doors of a standard 20ft shipping container.

Integrated Lashing Points

Securing heavy cargo is a safety requirement. These units feature multiple high-strength lashing rings welded along the side rails and the floor. These points allow you to use chains, straps, and binders to securely fasten the cargo to the chassis. This prevents movement during sea transit or road transport, ensuring compliance with international safety protocols.

Delivery and Site Requirements in the Midlands

We deliver 20ft flat racks across Birmingham and the wider Midlands using HIAB vehicles. A HIAB is a truck fitted with a hydraulic crane arm. This allows us to lift and place the unit precisely on your site. You must ensure the ground is flat, level, and firm. Concrete, tarmac, or compacted gravel are the only suitable surfaces. Because flat racks focus their entire weight on the four corner posts, placing them on soft grass or mud will cause the unit to sink and potentially warp.

If you intend to use a flat rack as a temporary bridge or platform on a construction site, check your local regulations. You can find guidance via the UK Planning Portal for Birmingham and local council requirements. For international export, we ensure our units meet IICL standards. IICL refers to the Institute of International Container Lessors, which sets the benchmark for high-quality container repairs.