Flat Rack Container Shipping Services

Flat racks are ideal for oversized, over-dimensional, or irregularly shaped cargo including: Construction equipment (excavators, bulldozers, loaders too wide for containers), Industrial machinery (generators, compressors, large pumps), Manufacturing equipment (printing machines, production lines), Vehicles (large trucks, buses, specialty vehicles wider than 8'), Project cargo (tanks, reactors, pressure vessels), Building materials (steel beams, large pipes, prefab structures), Boats and yachts (up to 40 feet on 40' flat rack), Agricultural equipment (tractors, combines, harvesters), and Heavy components (transformers, motors, industrial parts). Cargo requirements: Width over 8 feet OR height over 8.5 feet OR length requiring no enclosure OR irregular shape not fitting containers. Maximum typical dimensions: 40'L × 12'W × 12'H (with permits). We assess your cargo and determine if flat rack is optimal shipping method.

Flat rack shipping costs more than standard containers due to: specialized handling, deck space requirements, and limited availability. Pricing factors: Container size (20' flat rack $2,000-$5,000, 40' flat rack $3,500-$8,000 base rate), Cargo dimensions and weight (oversized cargo incurs surcharges), Destination and route, Port handling charges (higher for flat racks due to special equipment), Lashing and securing costs ($200-$1,000 depending on cargo), and Ocean freight rate fluctuations. Typical cost comparison: 40' flat rack = 1.5-2.5× price of standard 40' container. Additional costs may include: Heavy-lift charges (if cargo exceeds standard weight), Special permits (for extremely oversized cargo), and Customs duties (based on cargo value). We provide all-inclusive quotes itemizing all costs. While more expensive than containers, flat racks are often the only practical option for oversized equipment and more economical than breakbulk shipping.

Proper cargo securing on flat racks is critical for safe ocean transport. Securing methods include: Chain lashing - Heavy-duty chains through cargo lifting points and flat rack lashing rings rated for specific loads. Wire rope lashing - Steel cables for additional securing and load distribution. Ratchet straps - High-tensile strapping for lighter cargo and supplemental securing. Wooden blocking - Timber supports preventing cargo movement, positioned at contact points. Steel blocking and bracing - For heavy machinery, welded or bolted to deck. Corner protectors - Preventing lashing damage to cargo edges. Non-slip mats - Rubber mats between cargo and deck for friction. Process: Cargo center of gravity calculated and positioned on flat rack, Weight distributed evenly across deck, Multiple securing points used (minimum 4), Lashing tightened to prevent shifting, Inspection before vessel loading, and Photo documentation of securing. Our certified rigging specialists ensure IMO (International Maritime Organization) compliant securing for safe transit.

Flat rack dimensions and weight limits vary by type and shipping line. Standard limits: 20-foot flat rack - Deck: 18'6"L × 7'8"W, Max height: 8-12' (varies by line), Max weight: 28 tons (cargo only). 40-foot flat rack - Deck: 39'5"L × 7'8"W, Max height: 8-12' (varies by line), Max weight: 40 tons (cargo only). Over-dimensional allowances: Width - Can extend beyond 8' (typical max 12' with permits), Length - Can extend beyond 40' using flatrack + platform combinations, Height - Generally up to 12-14', though taller possible with vessel arrangements, and Weight - Can exceed standard limits with heavy-lift surcharges. However, practical limits depend on: Port handling equipment capacity, Vessel stability and lashing points, Road transport regulations (if inland delivery), and Destination port capabilities. For cargo exceeding 40'L × 12'W × 12'H or 40 tons, breakbulk shipping may be required. We assess your specific cargo dimensions and arrange appropriate shipping method.

Not all vessels accommodate flat racks - specialized capabilities are required. Vessel types handling flat racks: Container ships with deck space - Most modern container vessels can carry flat racks on deck, secured to container holds. Multipurpose vessels - Designed for both containers and breakbulk, ideal for flat racks. Heavy-lift vessels - Equipped with cranes for loading oversized flat rack cargo. Breakbulk vessels - Can carry flat racks as deck cargo. Requirements for vessels carrying flat racks: Adequate deck space (flat racks take more space than standard containers), Proper lashing points for securing, Heavy-lift cranes if cargo exceeds 30 tons, and Stability calculations for deck cargo. Limitations: Not all routes have flat rack capacity, Booking requires advance notice (limited flat rack inventory), Sailing frequency may be lower than standard container service, and Transshipment may be limited (not all ports handle flat racks). We verify flat rack availability on your specific route and book appropriate vessel space in advance to ensure on-time departure.

Yes, we provide comprehensive flat rack loading and securing services. Our services include: Pre-loading assessment - Cargo inspection, weight verification, center of gravity calculation, and securing plan development. Professional loading - Using appropriate equipment (cranes, forklifts, specialized lifts), positioning cargo optimally on flat rack, ensuring even weight distribution, and adhering to safety protocols. Cargo securing - Certified rigging specialists, IMO-compliant lashing methods, proper chains/straps/blocking, corner protection installation, and tensioning to prevent movement. Documentation - Photo documentation (before, during, after loading), lashing diagram and securing plan, weight distribution certificate, and inspection report. Quality control - Final inspection before vessel loading, verification of securing integrity, and compliance check with shipping line requirements. Cost: Loading and securing typically $500-$3,000 depending on cargo complexity, weight, dimensions, and special requirements. Professional securing is essential - improper lashing can result in cargo damage, vessel damage, safety risks, and shipment rejection.

Flat rack shipments require standard shipping documents plus additional permits for oversized cargo. Required documents: Commercial invoice (detailed cargo description and value), Packing list (dimensions, weight, center of gravity), Bill of lading (includes special cargo notations), Shipper's letter of instruction, Export declaration (AES filing), Certificate of origin (if required), and Cargo photos (showing lashing and securing). For oversized cargo (exceeding normal dimensions): Oversize cargo permit (from origin and destination ports), Special handling request (submitted to shipping line), Lashing diagram (showing securing plan), Weight certificate (certified weight and dimensions), and Heavy-lift permit (if cargo exceeds 30 tons). Inland transport documentation: Oversize/overweight load permits (for road transport to/from ports), Route survey (for extremely oversized cargo), and Escort vehicle arrangements. International requirements: Import permits from destination country, Customs clearance documents, and Special cargo declarations. We handle all documentation preparation and permit applications ensuring regulatory compliance.