Flat Rack Containers in Edinburgh
Transporting oversized or unusually shaped cargo presents unique challenges. Standard shipping containers, while versatile, simply cannot accommodate items exceeding their internal dimensions. This is where flat rack containers become essential. Designed with open sides and either fixed or collapsible end walls, flat racks provide the necessary flexibility to load and secure large machinery, vehicles, pipes, construction materials, and other bulky industrial goods safely and efficiently. For businesses in Edinburgh requiring specialised transport solutions within the UK or for international export, flat rack containers offer robust, compliant, and adaptable options.
Choosing the Right Flat Rack for Your Edinburgh Business
Selecting the appropriate flat rack container depends primarily on the size, weight, and nature of your cargo. Acorn Containers provides both 20ft and 40ft flat rack options, each offering distinct advantages for different types of loads handled by businesses operating in and around Edinburgh.
Consider the dimensions and weight of your goods. A 20ft flat rack suits many standard oversized items, offering a balance of capacity and manageability. For significantly larger or heavier loads, the 40ft unit provides maximum payload and platform space. Assess your loading and unloading capabilities; the open structure simplifies these processes compared to enclosed containers.
20ft Flat Rack Containers Available in Edinburgh
Our 20ft flat rack containers represent a popular and reliable solution for transporting bulky cargo from or to Edinburgh. Their compact size makes them easier to handle on various transport modes while still providing substantial capacity for oversized items. End walls on these units are typically collapsible, allowing them to fold flat. This feature proves invaluable for efficient stacking and significantly reduces storage space and return transport costs when the containers are empty. All our 20ft flat racks are ISO certified and CSC plated, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements for safe rail, road, and sea transport throughout the UK and internationally.
Key Features for Edinburgh Businesses
- ISO certified and CSC plated for international and domestic transport compliance.
- Collapsible end walls facilitate easy stacking and optimise space during return journeys.
- Available in the standard flat rack format with end walls or as a platform (flatbed) without end walls.
- Options for hire, purchase, or request custom modifications to meet specific project needs.
- Prompt nationwide delivery across the UK, including direct to your site in the Edinburgh area.
20ft Flat Rack Specifications
| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 6m x 2.43m x 2.6m | 20’ x 8’ x 8’6” |
| Internal Dimensions | 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 | 34,000 kg | 74,950 lbs |
| Max Payload | 31,260 kg | 68,860 lbs |
| Structure | Spring folding ends, timber floor, forklift pockets | |
| Fork Pocket Distance | 2,050 mm | 6’8.5” |
40ft Flat Rack Containers Available in Edinburgh
When your cargo in Edinburgh demands maximum space and support, our 40ft flat rack containers provide the robust solution you need. These larger units are the preferred choice across many UK industries for transporting exceptionally oversized or heavy-duty items that cannot fit within standard enclosed containers. The extended platform handles longer loads, while the increased payload capacity accommodates significantly heavier goods. Like their 20ft counterparts, the end walls on the 40ft units can collapse flat, making storage and return logistics considerably more efficient and cost-effective, particularly important for frequent users in the Edinburgh region.
Key Features for Edinburgh Businesses
- Provides the largest flat rack format available, offering extensive platform space and a high weight capacity.
- Fully ISO compliant and CSC plated, ensuring suitability for both global shipping and transport within the UK.
- End walls fold flat, enabling secure stacking and efficient handling of empty units.
- Optional modifications are available to customise the container structure or features to suit specific project requirements.
- Benefit from reliable UK-wide delivery, including to locations throughout Edinburgh, often via HIAB-assisted vehicles for easier offloading.
40ft Flat Rack Specifications
| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 12.19m x 2.43m x 2.6m | 40’ x 8’ x 8’6” |
| Internal Dimensions | 11.65m x 2.21m | 38’2.6” x 7’3.1” |
| Cubic Capacity | 52.9 m³ | 1,868 ft³ |
| Tare Weight | 4,950 kg | 10,910 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 45,000 kg | 99,210 lbs |
| Max Payload | 40,050 kg | 88,200 lbs |
| Structure | Spring folding ends, locking system, heavy-duty timber floor | |
Applications for Flat Racks in Edinburgh
Businesses across various sectors in Edinburgh can leverage the unique capabilities of flat rack containers. They are indispensable for transporting heavy plant and machinery, including construction equipment, manufacturing components, and mining machinery. Industries dealing with large infrastructure projects utilise them for moving pipes, beams, and structural steel. The renewable energy sector uses flat racks for components like wind turbine sections or solar panel arrays. Transporting vehicles, from cars and boats to heavier industrial vehicles, also becomes straightforward with the open access provided by a flat rack. Whatever your oversized cargo needs in Edinburgh, a flat rack container offers a secure and compliant transport platform.
Why Choose Acorn Containers for Flat Racks in Edinburgh?
Acorn Containers understands the specific logistical requirements of businesses in Edinburgh needing flat rack solutions. We provide high-quality, certified flat rack containers available for both hire and purchase, offering flexibility to match your project duration and budget. Our experienced team assists you in selecting the correct container size and type for your cargo. We organise efficient, reliable delivery directly to your location in Edinburgh or across the UK, often using specialised vehicles like HIAB cranes to facilitate offloading. Rely on Acorn Containers for expertise, quality equipment, and dependable service for all your flat rack needs in the Edinburgh area.
Flat Rack Container FAQs
What is a flat rack container used for?
Flat rack containers are specifically designed to transport oversized, heavy, or unusually shaped cargo that does not fit within standard enclosed shipping containers. This includes machinery, vehicles, large pipes, and construction materials.
What sizes do flat rack containers come in?
Flat rack containers are most commonly available in 20ft and 40ft lengths, similar to standard containers, but with open sides and often collapsible end walls.
Can flat rack containers be used for international shipping from Edinburgh?
Yes, flat rack containers are ISO certified and CSC plated, meaning they meet international standards for safety and transport, making them suitable for shipping cargo globally from Edinburgh.
Are flat rack containers waterproof?
No, flat rack containers have open sides and tops. The cargo transported on a flat rack requires appropriate wrapping or covering to protect it from weather elements during transit.
How is cargo secured on a flat rack container?
Cargo is secured using tie-down points located along the side rails and on the floor of the flat rack. Chains, straps, and lashing are used to safely secure the load to these points.
Can I hire a flat rack container in Edinburgh?
Yes, Acorn Containers offers flat rack containers for hire in Edinburgh and across the UK, providing a flexible solution for temporary transport needs.
Can the end walls on a flat rack be removed?
Flat racks typically have either fixed or collapsible end walls. Collapsible end walls can fold flat, but they are not designed to be completely removed from the container structure.