---
title: "Flat Racks Preston"
description: "Heavy-duty flat racks for secure, efficient transport.  Preston stock.  Acorn Containers."
url: "https://acorncontainers.co.uk/areas/ne/preston/flat-racks-preston"
date: "2026-04-29T13:26:48+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![40ft Flat Rack](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/images/ContainerPics/Acorn-Containers-FR.webp)  Featured

 # Flat Rack Containers in Preston – Transporting Oversized & Heavy Cargo

Businesses in Preston requiring specialist solutions for transporting oversized, heavy, or unusually shaped cargo turn to flat rack containers. Unlike standard enclosed shipping containers, flat racks feature open sides and often collapsible end walls. This unique design makes them ideal for handling items like machinery, vehicles, pipes, or construction materials that exceed the dimensions of conventional containers.

 | Equipment Type | New Price | Used Price |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Specialised |
| 20ft Flat Rack20FR (No Roof/Sides) | £5,000 | £3,300 |
| 20ft Platform20PL (Base Only) | £5,600 | £2,900 |
| 40ft Specialised |
| 40ft Flat Rack40FR (No Roof/Sides) | £6,800 | £3,500 |
| 40ft Platform40PL (Base Only) | £7,800 | £3,500 |

 | Equipment Type | New Rate | Used Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 20ft Specialised |
| 20ft Flat Rack20FR (No Roof/Sides) | £7.00 | £4.00 |
| 20ft Platform20PL (Base Only) | £7.00 | £3.00 |
| 40ft Specialised |
| 40ft Flat Rack40FR (No Roof/Sides) | £9.00 | £4.00 |
| 40ft Platform40PL (Base Only) | £9.00 | £3.00 |

* All prices ex VAT & Delivery. Subject to Availability

Acorn Containers supplies robust, ISO-certified flat rack containers directly to businesses across the Preston area and the wider North West. We offer both 20ft and 40ft options, available for hire or outright purchase, ensuring you find the right capacity and structure for your specific transport needs.

  [ ![A shipping container holds a large machine and wooden crates, secured with straps at a port setting.](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/FR-000_2020.jpg) ](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/full/FR-000_2020.jpg)

  [ ![A yellow loader is secured on a container flatbed, surrounded by cargo containers and tires in the background.](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/FR-24.jpg) ](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/full/FR-24.jpg)

  [ ![A stacked truck and trailer secured on a shipping container, with visible wheels and cargo ties.](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/FR-100_2774.jpg) ](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/full/FR-100_2774.jpg)

  [ ![A large container covered with a blue tarp and secured with red straps, positioned at a transport facility.](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/FR-656.jpg) ](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/full/FR-656.jpg)

  [ ![Red industrial machinery on a shipping container, with a Maersk logo and clear sky in the background.](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/FR-A-FRAME-002.jpg) ](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/full/FR-A-FRAME-002.jpg)

  [ ![Yellow containers are secured on a flatbed, surrounded by cargo and industrial scenery.](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/FR-DSCF3669.jpg) ](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/full/FR-DSCF3669.jpg)

  [ ![Three large yellow containers secured on a flatbed truck, set against a backdrop of lush greenery.](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/FR-DSCF3671.jpg) ](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/full/FR-DSCF3671.jpg)

  [ ![A red offshore storage tank mounted on a gray Maersk platform, with containers and trees in the background.](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/FR-DSCF6888.jpg) ](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/full/FR-DSCF6888.jpg)

  [ ![Containers with wooden flooring arranged inside a cargo area, showcasing their colorful exteriors and open doors.](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/FR-P1010018.jpg) ](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/media/spgallery/213/full/FR-P1010018.jpg)

## Why Choose Flat Racks for Your Preston Business?

Flat rack containers offer distinct advantages for Preston companies dealing with non-standard loads:

- **Ease of Loading:** Open sides allow for flexible loading from the top or sides using cranes, forklifts, or other lifting equipment, simplifying logistics for bulky items.
- **Accommodates Oversized Cargo:** Transport items wider or taller than standard containers, using the flat rack as a secure base.
- **High Payload Capacity:** Built with strong steel frames and heavy-duty floors, flat racks support significant weight, suitable for heavy machinery and industrial components.
- **Stackable (When Empty):** Flat racks with collapsible end walls fold down, allowing for efficient stacking and reducing storage or return transport costs when not in use.
- **Versatile Transport:** Fully compliant with international shipping standards (ISO and CSC plated), making them suitable for road, rail, and sea transport both within the UK and internationally from Preston.

## 20ft Flat Rack Containers for Preston Businesses

Our 20ft flat rack containers provide a compact yet powerful solution for transporting shorter or less voluminous oversized items in Preston. These units are a popular choice for moving single pieces of machinery, large fabrications, or specific construction components.

### Key Features of 20ft Flat Racks

- Standard 20ft length suitable for various transport modes.
- ISO certified and CSC plated for global and domestic use.
- End walls designed to fold flat for easier stacking.
- Heavy-duty timber floor provides a strong loading surface.
- Integrated lashing points secure cargo effectively.
- Available in standard flat rack (with end walls) or platform (no end walls) configurations.
- Delivered directly to your Preston location.

### 20ft Flat Rack Specifications (Approximate)

| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 6.0m x 2.4m x 2.6m | 20’ x 8’ x 8’6” |
| Internal Length | 5.8m | 19’6” |
| Approx. Tare Weight | 2,740 kg | 6,040 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 34,000 kg | 74,950 lbs |
| Approx. Payload | 31,260 kg | 68,860 lbs |

## 40ft Flat Rack Containers for Larger Loads in Preston

When you need to transport longer, heavier, or multiple oversized items from Preston, our 40ft flat rack containers offer the maximum available capacity. These units are essential for large-scale projects, moving significant plant equipment, or transporting multiple lengthy items like steel beams or pipes.

### Key Features of 40ft Flat Racks

- Maximum length for accommodating very long cargo.
- High payload capacity handles extremely heavy loads.
- Fully ISO compliant and CSC plated for seamless transport.
- Collapsible end walls facilitate efficient stacking.
- Robust construction built for demanding industrial use.
- Delivered across the Preston area using appropriate transport.

### 40ft Flat Rack Specifications (Approximate)

| Feature | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 12.2m x 2.4m x 2.6m | 40’ x 8’ x 8’6” |
| Internal Length | 11.6m | 38’1” |
| Approx. Tare Weight | 4,950 kg | 10,910 lbs |
| Max Gross Weight | 45,000 kg | 99,210 lbs |
| Approx. Payload | 40,050 kg | 88,200 lbs |

## Flat Rack Container Solutions for Preston Businesses

Acorn Containers understands the specific requirements of businesses in Preston. We provide flexible options to acquire the flat racks you need:

- **Flat Rack Hire:** Ideal for one-off projects or temporary transport needs.
- **Flat Rack Purchase:** A cost-effective solution for ongoing requirements.
- **Delivery to Preston:** We arrange efficient delivery directly to your site using suitable vehicles, including HIAB-assisted transport where required for offloading.
- **Expert Advice:** Our team offers guidance on selecting the correct flat rack type and size for your specific cargo and transport route.

Transporting oversized cargo demands careful planning and the right equipment. Our flat rack containers provide the secure, compliant base you need to move challenging loads safely and efficiently to or from Preston.

Need a flat rack container for your Preston business? Contact Acorn Containers today for expert advice and a competitive quote. Phone: 0330 027 1420 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.[Request a Quick Quote](https://acorncontainers.co.uk/container-quote)

## Flat Rack Container FAQs for Preston

#### What kind of cargo is suitable for flat rack containers in Preston?

Flat rack containers are perfect for transporting cargo that is oversized, overweight, or unusually shaped and cannot fit inside standard dry containers. This includes machinery, vehicles, boats, large pipes, steel coils, and construction materials.

#### Are flat rack containers watertight?

No, flat rack containers do not have sides and a roof like standard containers, so they are not watertight. Cargo transported on flat racks typically requires appropriate protective wrapping or covers depending on the material and transit conditions.

#### Can you deliver a flat rack container to my site in Preston?

Yes, Acorn Containers provides nationwide delivery, including to Preston and the surrounding areas. We use appropriate transport, including HIAB-assisted vehicles, to ensure safe delivery and offloading at your location.

#### Do I need special equipment to load a flat rack container?

Loading flat racks often requires lifting equipment such as cranes, forklifts, or reach stackers, depending on the size and weight of the cargo. Their open structure facilitates access for these machines.

#### Are your flat racks certified for international shipping?

Yes, all our flat rack containers are ISO certified and CSC plated, meaning they meet international safety standards and are approved for global transport by sea, rail, and road.

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