40ft Flat Rack Dimensions
Shipping Containers of Birmingham supplies 40ft flat rack containers for the transport of heavy, oversized, or awkward cargo. These units are the industry standard for "Out of Gauge" (OOG) shipping, providing a heavy-duty platform for loads that cannot fit inside a standard closed container.
We supply new and used flat racks to logistics firms, construction sites, and clients in heavy industry across the UK. Whether you are moving large machinery or need a robust bridging structure on site, the 40ft flat rack offers superior loading capacity and flexibility.
Dimensions and Capabilities
Unlike standard shipping containers, flat racks have no side walls or roof. They consist of a reinforced steel floor and two end walls. The dimensions below reflect the usable space on the platform. The 40ft flat rack is designed to handle significantly heavier point loads than standard containers.
| Description |
Imperial |
Metric |
| Maximum Payload |
99,200 lb |
45,000 kg |
| External Length |
40' |
12.192 m |
| External Width |
8' |
2.438 m |
| External Height (Ends Erect) |
8' 6" |
2.591 m |
| Internal Length (Between Posts) |
39' 5" |
12.032 m |
| Internal Width |
7' 10" |
2.400 m |
| Floor Height |
25" (approx) |
650 mm |
| Gross Weight |
110,230 lb |
50,000 kg |
| Tare Weight |
11,020 lb |
5,000 kg |
Note: Payload capacities vary significantly by manufacturer and age. High Cube flat racks are also available with higher end walls. Contact Shipping Containers of Birmingham for the exact specifications of our current stock.
Key Features
The 40ft flat rack is engineered for extreme durability and ease of loading.
- Collapsible Ends: The end walls can fold flush into the floor. This allows you to stack multiple empty flat racks (creating a "bundle") to reduce transport costs. It also enables the loading of cargo that is longer than 40ft.
- Side Loading: The absence of side walls allows forklifts to load cargo from the side. Cranes can load directly from above.
- Lashing Points: Heavy-duty steel lashing rings are welded along the chassis rails. These are essential for securing heavy loads with chains and binders.
- Reinforced Floor: The floor is built from steel and thick timber to withstand high-density loads that would exceed the capacity of a standard container floor.
Typical Applications
Flat racks are essential for moving cargo that is too wide, too high, or too heavy for a standard 40ft container.
- Plant Machinery: Excavators, dump trucks, and cranes.
- Industrial Components: Large generators, turbines, and boilers.
- Construction Materials: Steel beams, large pipes, and pre-cast concrete sections.
- Vehicles: Boats, yachts, and specialist trucks.
If your cargo is heavy but shorter than 12 metres, you might consider the 20ft flat rack, which offers similar strength in a smaller footprint.
Handling and Delivery
Moving a loaded 40ft flat rack requires specialist equipment. While we deliver empty flat racks using standard articulated HIAB vehicles, a loaded flat rack usually exceeds the lifting capacity of a truck-mounted crane.
If you plan to use the flat rack for export, you will need a top-loader or reach stacker at the port. If you are using it for static storage or as a bridge on a site, ensure your ground conditions are solid (concrete or hard-standing) to support the immense weight at the corner posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a flat rack waterproof?
No. The flat rack provides a structural base but no weather protection. You must use heavy-duty tarpaulins or shrink wrap to protect sensitive cargo from rain and sea spray.
What is a High Cube flat rack?
A High Cube flat rack has the same floor dimensions but features taller end walls. This allows it to protect taller cargo or match the height of adjacent High Cube containers on a ship.
Can I stack loaded flat racks?
Yes, provided the cargo does not protrude above the height of the end walls. The corner posts are designed to support the weight of stacked containers. If the cargo is over-height, you cannot stack on top of it.
Do you offer flat racks for hire?
Yes. We offer flat rack container hire. They are frequently hired for temporary bridge structures or short-term heavy storage projects.
