20ft Flat Rack Container Dimensions & Uses | SASCO

20' Flat Rack Container

A 20' flat rack container is a specialized shipping container designed for heavy, oversized, overheight, or overwidth cargo that cannot be safely accommodated in a standard closed container. It consists of a reinforced steel floor structure, usually finished with a softwood deck, and two end walls. Depending on the equipment design, the end walls may be fixed or collapsible.

Unlike a standard container, a flat rack has no full side walls and no fixed roof. This open structure provides greater flexibility for loading, securing, and transporting machinery, vehicles, steel components, industrial equipment, and other out-of-gauge cargo. The 20ft version is particularly useful for compact but heavy loads that require strong floor support and end-wall protection. Other equipment options can be reviewed in the SASCO container guides.

20' Flat Rack Container Specifications

SpecificationValue
Inside Length 5.698 m
Inside Width 2.230 m
Inside Height 2.255 m
Door Width Not applicable
Door Height Not applicable
Enclosed Cubic Capacity Not applicable
Tare Weight 2,500 kg
Maximum Cargo Weight 21,500 kg

 

Door dimensions and enclosed cubic capacity are not applicable because a flat rack does not have conventional container doors, full side walls, or an enclosed cargo space. Actual equipment dimensions and payload limits may vary by manufacturer, unit, carrier, and route.

Common Applications

A 20' flat rack container is commonly used for compact heavy machinery, industrial motors, generators, vehicles, steel parts, cable reels, pipes, construction equipment, and other cargo that exceeds standard container limits. It is frequently selected for project cargo and OOG transport where the shipment requires technical assessment, lifting coordination, and specialized securing.

Flat Rack vs Open Top Container

A 20' open top container retains its side walls and basic container body but allows cargo to be loaded through the roof opening. It is useful when vertical loading is required and the cargo can remain within the container frame. A flat rack is more suitable when cargo exceeds normal width or height limits, requires side loading, or cannot fit inside an open top container.

Flat Rack vs Platform Container

A flat rack has end walls that help define the cargo area and may support certain securing arrangements. A 20' platform container consists only of a reinforced floor structure and has no side or end walls. Platform equipment may therefore be considered when the cargo requires completely unrestricted loading access.

Securing and Handling Notes

Flat rack cargo must be assessed according to its dimensions, gross weight, centre of gravity, lifting points, weight distribution, and lashing requirements. Overwidth or overheight cargo may require carrier approval, special terminal handling, suitable lifting equipment, and additional space aboard the vessel. For longer cargo requiring more floor area, a 40' flat rack container may be considered.

For flat rack selection and shipment planning, you can contact SASCO or request a shipping quotation by providing the cargo dimensions, gross weight, lifting points, origin, destination, and handling requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 20' flat rack container used for?

It is used for heavy or out-of-gauge cargo such as machinery, vehicles, steel components, generators, industrial equipment, and construction-related loads.

What is the difference between a flat rack and an open top container?

An open top container has side walls and an open roof, while a flat rack has no full side walls or fixed roof and provides greater flexibility for overwidth cargo.

Does a flat rack container have side walls?

No. A flat rack normally has a reinforced floor and two fixed or collapsible end walls, but no full side walls.

Why are door dimensions not applicable for flat racks?

Flat racks do not have conventional container doors or a fully enclosed cargo space, so standard door measurements and cubic capacity do not apply.

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