Flat Rack Shipping Containers in Chester
Acorn Containers supplies a comprehensive range of flat rack shipping containers directly to businesses located in Chester and the surrounding Cheshire area. Flat racks stand out as the ideal solution for transporting or storing goods that exceed the dimensions of standard enclosed containers. Featuring open sides and either fixed or collapsible end walls, these specialised containers simplify the loading and securement of oversized cargo like heavy plant machinery, long pipes, vehicles, and bulky construction materials. Whether moving equipment locally within Cheshire or preparing items for export, our flat rack containers provide the necessary strength, flexibility, and regulatory compliance.
Understanding Flat Rack Containers for Chester Businesses
Flat rack containers offer a unique design specifically catering to challenging cargo. Unlike standard box containers, they lack fixed side walls and often feature end walls that can fold down. This open structure allows for easy top or side loading using cranes or forklifts, making them indispensable for project cargo and out-of-gauge shipments. Businesses in Chester involved in manufacturing, construction, or industrial plant will find flat racks essential for their logistics needs.
- Open Structure: Facilitates loading of wide or tall items.
- End Walls: Provide secure points for lashing down cargo; collapsible versions save space during empty returns.
- Heavy-Duty Floor: Designed to support concentrated loads.
- Lashing Points: Multiple strong points for securing cargo with chains or straps.
20ft Flat Rack Containers for Chester
Our 20ft flat rack containers provide a robust and manageable option for transporting bulky cargo around Chester and beyond. These units are built tough, designed to handle significant weight despite their compact length. The collapsible end walls are a key feature, allowing units to be stacked efficiently when empty, saving valuable space in depots or yards in Cheshire. Each 20ft flat rack is ISO certified and CSC plated, ensuring suitability for road, rail, and sea transport both within the UK and internationally.
Benefits for Chester Operations:
- Ideal for smaller oversized items or where space is restricted.
- Easier to manoeuvre in tighter locations common in urban areas like Chester.
- Collapsible ends reduce transport costs for empty repositioning.
- Available for purchase or hire to meet short-term project needs.
20ft Flat Rack Specifications (Typical):
| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 6m x 2.43m x 2.6m | 20’ x 8’ x 8’6” |
| Internal Dimensions (approx. usable) | 5.8m x 2.4m x 2.3m | 19’6.4” x 7’9.5” x 7’5.5” |
| Tare Weight | 2,740 kg | 6,040 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | Up to 34,000 kg | Up to 74,950 lbs |
| Max Payload | Up to 31,260 kg | Up to 68,860 lbs |
| Structure | Steel frame, spring folding ends, timber floor, forklift pockets | |
Note: Specifications can vary slightly between manufacturers.
40ft Flat Rack Containers Delivered to Chester
For larger or heavier loads, our 40ft flat rack containers provide maximum capacity and structural integrity. These units are the preferred choice for transporting significant pieces of machinery, large vehicles, or substantial quantities of industrial materials for projects in and around Chester. Their extended length accommodates longer cargo, while the heavy-duty construction handles considerable weight. Like the 20ft versions, the end walls can fold flat, significantly improving efficiency for return logistics.
Advantages for Large-Scale Projects in Cheshire:
- Accommodates longer and heavier single items.
- Higher payload capacity for bulkier shipments.
- Facilitates transport of large industrial components.
- Collapsible ends offer cost savings on empty container movements.
40ft Flat Rack Specifications (Typical):
| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 12.19m x 2.43m x 2.6m | 40’ x 8’ x 8’6” |
| Internal Dimensions (approx. usable) | 11.65m x 2.21m | 38’2.6” x 7’3.1” |
| Tare Weight | 4,950 kg | 10,910 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | Up to 45,000 kg | Up to 99,210 lbs |
| Max Payload | Up to 40,050 kg | Up to 88,200 lbs |
| Structure | Steel frame, spring folding ends with locking system, heavy-duty timber floor | |
Note: Specifications can vary slightly between manufacturers.
Choosing the Right Flat Rack for Your Chester Business
Selecting the appropriate flat rack container depends entirely on the specific dimensions, weight, and nature of the cargo you need to move. Consider the following factors:
- Cargo Dimensions: Measure the length, width, and height of your item carefully. Ensure it fits within the internal usable space of the chosen flat rack, allowing for securing and lashing.
- Cargo Weight: Check the maximum payload capacity of the container. Always ensure the weight of your cargo does not exceed this limit.
- Loading and Unloading: Consider how you will load and unload the cargo in Chester. The open structure facilitates crane or overhead lifting, which may be necessary for very heavy or awkward items.
- Transport Method: Confirm the flat rack is certified (CSC plated) for your planned transport method (road, rail, sea).
- Frequency of Use: For ongoing needs, purchasing might be more cost-effective. For single projects or infrequent shipments, hiring provides greater flexibility.
Our team understands the logistics challenges faced by businesses in Chester. We offer expert advice to help you determine whether a 20ft or 40ft flat rack is the best fit and discuss options for hire, purchase, or potential modifications.
Delivery and Logistics in Chester
Acorn Containers provides reliable delivery of flat rack containers directly to your site in Chester or anywhere across Cheshire. We utilise specialised transport, including HIAB-assisted vehicles, which are equipped with cranes to lift the container into position upon arrival. This is particularly useful for flat racks, which often carry heavy cargo requiring careful handling during placement. We coordinate delivery times to suit your operational schedule, ensuring minimal disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions about Flat Racks in Chester
What types of cargo are suitable for flat rack containers?
Flat racks are ideal for oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped cargo that cannot fit through the doors of standard containers. This includes machinery, vehicles, large pipes, construction materials, turbines, and project cargo.
Can I hire a flat rack container in Chester?
Yes, Acorn Containers offers flat rack containers for hire, providing a flexible solution for one-off shipments or short-term projects in the Chester area. We also offer units for purchase.
Do flat racks have roofs or sides?
No, flat racks typically have no fixed side walls and no roof, leaving the top and sides completely open. They have end walls (either fixed or collapsible) and a strong base floor.
Are flat rack containers waterproof?
The container itself is not enclosed and therefore not waterproof. The cargo placed on a flat rack will require appropriate protective wrapping or sheeting if it needs protection from the elements during transit.
How is cargo secured on a flat rack?
Cargo is secured using heavy-duty lashing points located along the side rails and on the end walls. Chains, straps, and other lashing equipment are used to tie down the cargo securely to prevent shifting during transport.
What is the maximum weight a flat rack can carry?
The maximum payload capacity depends on the size of the flat rack (20ft or 40ft) and its specific design, but it can be up to 31,260 kg for a 20ft unit and up to 40,050 kg for a 40ft unit. Always check the CSC plate for the exact maximum gross weight.