Flat Rack Shipping Containers

Overview

Flat rack shipping containers are built with a very sturdy base and 2 ends. There are no sides or roof. This allows flat racks to be used for the shipment of very large items that might not otherwise fit into a standard shipping container. Some flat racks are also rated for very heavy weights, up to twice the capacity of a standard dry container in some cases (circa 60 tonne max cargo capacity).

These containers are very specialised items and typically only of interest for special projects, but they also have some niche uses in the domestic market, for example, we sell a number of these to farmers who want a cheap but very sturdy small bridge to cross a stream or small river.

The two ends on flat rack containers are collapsible allowing for them to fold down so they can be neatly stacked for more efficient shipment when empty. Lashing points are included along the base for securing cargo, and nearly all flat racks (20ft and 40ft) will come with fork pockets for empty lifting.

As flat rack shipping containers are small in number and very specialised we do see a much greater variance of ages on used units. While all our containers are thoroughly checked and repaired before resale, because flat racks are quite rare its often viable to keep an older container in service. As a result some older units will come with fixed ends, although these are becoming a lot less commonplace.

Flat racks will also offer varying capacities, with the largest we’ve seen at 65 tonnes. These can at times take twice the load of a standard dry container, however there is a greater range of max capacities with these units, so if you need a certain rating, especially if over 30 tonnes then please do make this clear at the time of the quote so we ensure the flat rack we offer you is right for your requirements.

Guarantee

All our shipping containers are checked over by a professional before sale. When used for export all used flat rack containers will come with a 12 month CSC plate for export use. When used domestically for non-shipping purposes we will of course offer a structurally sound unit but, as these flat rack shipping containers have no roof, we can’t offer our wind & watertight guarantee.

Because of the wide range of potential uses for these types of container we can’t guarantee their suitability for a specialised use we are not very familiar with – but we will always make clear what we are and aren’t guaranteeing for you in any quote.

Lifespan

Shipping containers usually only suffer from wear when they are handled and moved to and from a truck, boat, train or container stack. As most of our customers buy a container that will remain static in one place, aside from the rubber door seal, there is very little to wear or go wrong with it.

We regularly see refurbished and used shipping containers that were supplied as used 10+ years ago performing very well with little to no maintenance. So you should expect this sort of lifespan. The only exception is the rubber door seals that can wear out more quickly if the doors are used frequently.

New or one trip shipping containers should last an extremely long time, but as manufacturing techniques change so frequently (every 5-10 years or so) it is very hard to test the exact lifespan of a container. We know that a typical one trip container is circa 12 years younger than a used shipping container, and as we would expect 10 years solid use from a used container, its pretty safe to assume that a 20-22+ year lifespan for a new shipping container is very achievable.

Usage

Flat rack shipping containers have a limited number of uses, but common examples include:

Export of oversize cargo – anything that wont’ physically fit inside a normal shipping container
Export of heavy single items that may exceed the capacity for a normal shipping container
When required to be stacked on top of each other with certain loads (e.g. pallets)
Cheap and easy bridges for small rivers and streams and on private land
Stages and other promotional displays

Container Condition

Shipping containers are available in various conditions which effect their price and lifespan.

New (One Trip)

New (or One Trip) shipping containers are the very best quality option available. Freshly built in a factory (normally in China) they are moved to the UK with freight inside them which helps dramatically reduce the overall cost of the shipping container. These almost new shipping containers may have the odd imperfection consistent with this first trip but they will be in otherwise immaculate condition.

These one trip shipping containers are approximately 12 years younger than the average refurbished or used container we sell (or 12-20 years younger than a used container sold by any other trader) so the container will have a significantly longer lifespan. If these containers are to sit static on your site then they will also remain in very good condition. In 12 years time a one trip container you purchased from us that has sat static on your site will more than likely in better condition than an average used container we are selling at the time.

These containers come in green or blue without any logos and look a lot smarter than a refurbished or used shipping container.

Refurbished

Refurbished shipping containers are the middle ground between new and used shipping containers. We take the best quality used shipping containers and ensure they are of sound construction, leak free, have a good solid floor, a fully operational door and intact doors seals (where applicable). These are a lot neater than basic used containers and a fair bit cheaper than new (one trip) shipping containers.

We also repaint these containers in your choice of basic colour in a marine quality paint and add a high security lock box (padlock cover) to the shipping container. As these are made from used shipping containers there will still be dinks and dents along the frame of the container, but the repaint will give a much smarter appearance when compared to a basic used container.

Sometimes we make a refurbished shipping container by cutting down a larger shipping container to size (for example a 40ft shipping container may be cut down to make 4x 10ft containers). In these cases we typically offer our easy open or flat panel door option. These fabricated doors are much lighter (but still made from steel at least as thick as the steel in the corrugated sides of the shipping container) and much easier to use over a long period of time but they do not come with a rubber seal around the doors.

Used

All our used shipping containers are sourced direct from shipping industry use. We do not offer used containers that have previously bought as ‘used’ as these shipping containers will commonly be of a poorer quality and have a much shorter remaining lifespan.

Used shipping containers will come in their original shipping liveries and will usually have some dents and surface rust. We sell these strictly as ‘cosmetics not guaranteed’ meaning we don’t and can’t guarantee how good they will look. If you require a smart shipping container we recommend looking at our refurbished or new (one trip) ranges. However, your used container will not have any large bows or dents – it will be in the correct overall shape, free of any holes or leaks and in a good stare of repair. Depending on your location and our nearest local depot, we can often offer viewings in our yard or photos of a specific container for your approval in advance of delivery.

Container Types

Information about the types of flat rack shipping containers available