20ft Flat Rack Container — Used

A 20ft flat rack container in used condition — in service and structurally sound. Chosen for oversized and awkward loads that will not fit through doors. Every unit is inspected before it leaves our yard, so the grade below is what you will actually receive.

20ft Flat Rack Container – Heavy-Duty Platform for Oversized Cargo

The 20ft Flat Rack Container is a purpose-built transport platform for cargo that is too wide, tall, heavy or otherwise difficult to load into a conventional shipping container. With a reinforced steel frame, open sides and collapsible end walls, it provides the flexibility needed for machinery, construction equipment, industrial components and other out-of-gauge cargo.

Unlike a standard enclosed container, a flat rack allows cargo to be loaded from above or from the sides using cranes, forklifts or other suitable lifting equipment. This makes it particularly useful for project cargo and industrial shipments where conventional container access is too restrictive.

Key Features

Collapsible End Walls: Folding end walls provide additional loading flexibility and allow the unit to be configured as a more open platform when required.

Heavy-Duty Steel Frame: Reinforced corner posts, side rails and floor beams provide the structural strength required for demanding cargo-handling applications.

Open-Sided Design: The lack of fixed side walls allows oversized cargo to extend beyond the normal container envelope where permitted and properly secured.

Integrated Lashing Points: Multiple securing points allow suitable chains, straps and other approved cargo-securing equipment to be attached during transport.

Durable Timber Deck: A heavy-duty timber floor provides a stable loading surface for machinery, equipment and project cargo.

ISO-Compatible Construction: Standard corner castings allow the flat rack to be handled with compatible container equipment and incorporated into intermodal transport systems where certified for that use.

Forklift Pockets: Fork pockets assist with handling and positioning the empty unit in suitable depot and loading environments.

Detailed Description

A flat rack is designed for cargo that does not work well with the enclosed walls of a standard shipping container. Large machinery, industrial assemblies, pipes, construction equipment and other project cargo can often be positioned directly onto the reinforced deck and secured using the unit's designated lashing points.

The collapsible end walls can be folded down when additional access or a longer loading platform is required. When the end walls are upright, they provide additional support for appropriately sized cargo and retain the general configuration of a conventional intermodal unit.

The heavy-duty steel frame is engineered to handle substantial loads, while the timber deck provides a durable surface for placing cargo. The corner castings allow compatible handling equipment to lift and position the unit, subject to the applicable weight limits and handling procedures.

Because flat racks are commonly used for out-of-gauge cargo, proper cargo planning is essential. The dimensions, weight distribution, lashing arrangement and any cargo overhang must be assessed before transport. International shipments may also require specific carrier approval, permits or specialized securing arrangements.

Technical Specifications

External Dimensions: Approximately 20ft L × 8ft W × 8ft 6in H (6.0m × 2.43m × 2.59m)

Internal Length: Approximately 18ft 5in (5.61m)

Internal Width: Approximately 7ft 9.5in (2.40m)

Internal Height with End Walls Upright: Approximately 7ft 3in (2.21m)

Maximum Gross Weight: Approximately 74,950 lbs (34,000kg)

Tare Weight: Approximately 6,040 lbs (2,740kg)

Maximum Payload: Approximately 68,860 lbs (31,260kg)

Fork Pocket Centers: Approximately 6ft 8.5in (2,050mm)

Floor: Heavy-duty timber deck

End Wall: Folding/collapsible configuration

Construction: Reinforced steel frame

Cargo Securing: Integrated lashing points

Specifications are approximate and can vary by manufacturer, production year and individual flat rack design. Confirm the specific unit's rating and dimensions before loading.

Common Applications

Heavy Machinery: Suitable for excavators, generators, industrial machines and other equipment that exceeds the dimensions or access limitations of an enclosed container.

Construction Equipment: Provides an open platform for moving large construction components and equipment.

Mining and Industrial Components: Useful for transporting heavy or irregularly shaped parts used in mining, manufacturing and industrial operations.

Large Pipes and Structural Materials: The open platform accommodates long or awkward cargo when properly planned and secured.

Specialized Vehicles: Can be used for certain vehicles and mobile equipment subject to dimensions, weight limits and transport requirements.

Project Cargo: A practical option for machinery and components involved in infrastructure, energy and industrial projects.

Package Includes

1 × 20ft Flat Rack Container with folding end walls

Integrated cargo lashing points

Heavy-duty timber deck

Standard ISO corner castings

Applicable certification/CSC plate where present and valid for the individual unit

Dimensions and Capacity

The 20ft flat rack provides a loading platform approximately 20ft long and 8ft wide. Unlike an enclosed container, its usable cargo envelope is determined by the flat rack's structural limits, the position of the end walls and the applicable carrier or transport requirements.

For oversized cargo, the maximum permissible dimensions and weight are not determined solely by the physical size of the flat rack. Road regulations, vessel requirements, carrier policies, lashing arrangements and cargo overhang limits must also be considered before shipment.

Dimensions and capacity

Internal dimensions are approximately 19 ft 4 in × 7 ft 8 in × 7 ft 10 in (5,898 × 2,350 × 2,393 mm), giving 1,170 cu ft (33.1 m³) of usable space, with double doors at one end. These are the standard figures for a 20ft container; exact internals vary slightly by manufacturer.

Condition

This is a used container that has been in service. It is wind and watertight — no holes, working door seals, an intact roof — but it shows its history: surface rust, dents and previous owner markings are normal and do not affect how it performs.

What it is good for

This unit is commonly used for oversized and awkward loads that will not fit through doors. Doors, windows, insulation, electrics and paint can all be added before it ships — it is cheaper and neater to specify a conversion while the container is still in our yard than to modify it on your site afterwards.

Browse more in 20ft Containers, or see the full container catalogue.

Standards and inspection

Containers intended for international shipping carry a valid safety approval plate under the Convention for Safe Containers, administered by the International Maritime Organization. Condition grades such as cargo-worthy follow the inspection criteria published by the Institute of International Container Lessors. If you need a unit for shipping rather than static storage, tell us and we will confirm its plate before dispatch.

Delivery

Delivery is quoted against your site access rather than published as a flat rate, because haulage for a container depends on the distance, the approach and whether a crane is needed. Most deliveries use a tilt-bed truck, which needs a clear and reasonably level run about twice the container length. We price it before you commit.