Flat Rack Containers in Dorset – Transporting Oversized and Heavy Cargo
Transporting oversized or heavy items across Dorset and beyond presents unique challenges. Standard shipping containers simply cannot accommodate machinery, large vehicles, or industrial components that exceed their internal dimensions. Flat rack containers offer the ideal solution, providing a robust and flexible platform specifically designed for cargo that requires open access and secure lashing points.
Acorn Containers supplies high-quality flat rack containers throughout Dorset, serving businesses in Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Dorchester, and across the county. Whether you need to move plant equipment, construction materials, or specialist machinery, our flat racks provide the strength and adaptability for safe and efficient transport.
Understanding Flat Rack Containers
Unlike standard enclosed shipping containers, flat racks feature open sides and typically have only end walls, which can often be fixed or collapsible. Some variations are entirely open platforms without any walls (often called platforms or flatbeds). This design makes them perfect for loading items from the top or sides using cranes or forklifts, simplifying the handling of awkward shapes and sizes.
The robust steel structure and multiple lashing points across the floor and side rails ensure cargo remains securely fastened during transit by road, rail, or sea from Dorset to any destination.
Benefits of Using Flat Rack Containers in Dorset
- Ideal for Oversized Cargo: Easily accommodate items too wide, tall, or long for standard containers.
- Simplified Loading & Unloading: Open structure allows flexible access for cranes and heavy lifting equipment.
- Enhanced Security: Numerous lashing points provide multiple options for securing cargo firmly.
- Durability: Built from high-strength steel to carry heavy and concentrated loads.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of industries including construction, manufacturing, energy, and logistics operating within Dorset.
- Stackable: Collapsible end walls allow for empty units to be stacked efficiently, saving space during storage or return journeys.
20ft Flat Rack Containers for Dorset Businesses
Our 20ft flat rack containers offer a compact yet highly capable solution for moving oversized items within Dorset or to other locations. These units are perfect for transporting single large pieces of machinery, vehicles, or bundles of pipework. Their collapsible end walls make them cost-effective for return trips when empty.
Key Features of 20ft Flat Racks:
- ISO certified and CSC plated for transport compliance
- Collapsible end walls for efficient stacking
- Strong timber or steel floor for heavy loads
- Forklift pockets for easier handling when empty
- Available for hire or purchase in Dorset
Typical 20ft Flat Rack Specifications:
| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| External Length | 6.06m | 20’ |
| External Width | 2.44m | 8’ |
| External Height | 2.59m | 8’6” |
| Approx. Internal Length | 5.8m | 19’6.4” |
| Approx. Internal Width | 2.3m | 7’6.5” |
| Tare Weight (Approx) | 2,740 kg | 6,040 lbs |
| Max Payload (Approx) | 31,260 kg | 68,860 lbs |
40ft Flat Rack Containers for Larger Loads in Dorset
For transporting larger volumes or exceptionally heavy items from or to Dorset, our 40ft flat rack containers provide maximum capacity. These units are essential for industries handling substantial equipment, large prefabricated sections, or multiple vehicles simultaneously. Like the 20ft units, the collapsible ends optimise storage and logistics when empty.
Key Features of 40ft Flat Racks:
- Highest payload capacity for flat rack types
- Fully ISO compliant and CSC plated
- Collapsible end walls reduce volume for storage
- Heavy-duty construction for demanding cargo
- Supplied throughout Dorset with flexible delivery options
Typical 40ft Flat Rack Specifications:
| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| External Length | 12.19m | 40’ |
| External Width | 2.44m | 8’ |
| External Height | 2.59m | 8’6” |
| Approx. Internal Length | 11.65m | 38’2.6” |
| Approx. Internal Width | 2.2m | 7’2.6” |
| Tare Weight (Approx) | 4,950 kg | 10,910 lbs |
| Max Payload (Approx) | 40,050 kg | 88,200 lbs |
Choosing the Right Flat Rack Container
Selecting the appropriate flat rack depends on the dimensions and weight of your cargo. Consider the maximum length, width, and height of the item you need to transport, ensuring it fits within the internal dimensions of the chosen flat rack type. Also, verify the weight of your cargo against the container's maximum payload.
Our team in Dorset can provide expert advice to help you determine whether a 20ft or 40ft flat rack is best suited for your specific transport requirements, factoring in cargo characteristics and destination.
Flat Rack Container FAQs
What types of cargo are best suited for flat rack containers?
Flat racks are ideal for oversized and heavy cargo such as vehicles, boats, large machinery, industrial parts, pipes, cables, steel coils, and construction materials that do not fit into standard containers.
Can flat rack containers be used for international shipping from Dorset?
Yes, all our flat rack containers are ISO certified and CSC plated, making them suitable for both domestic transport within the UK (including Dorset) and international shipping.
Are the end walls on all flat racks collapsible?
Most modern flat rack containers feature collapsible end walls. However, platform containers (flatbeds) have no end walls at all. Always confirm the specific type when making your selection.
How is cargo secured on a flat rack container?
Flat rack containers have numerous lashing points along the side rails and across the floor. Cargo is secured using chains, straps, and sometimes timber supports or cradles, depending on the item being transported.
Do you deliver flat rack containers across Dorset?
Yes, Acorn Containers provides delivery of flat rack containers to locations across Dorset, including major towns and surrounding areas, often using HIAB-assisted vehicles for easier offloading.