Flat Rack Containers in Reading – Handling Oversized Loads
Transporting oversized or irregularly shaped cargo presents unique challenges. Standard shipping containers simply cannot accommodate items like large machinery, vehicles, pipes, or construction materials. For businesses in the Reading area needing a robust and flexible solution for such freight, flat rack containers provide the ideal answer. Designed specifically for cargo that exceeds the dimensions of conventional units, flat racks feature open sides and either fixed or collapsible end walls, making loading, securing, and transporting bulky items significantly safer and more efficient.
Why Choose Flat Racks for Your Reading Business?
Flat rack containers offer distinct advantages for businesses in Reading dealing with out-of-gauge cargo:
- Ease of Loading: Open sides allow for cargo to be loaded from the top or sides using cranes or forklifts, bypassing the constraints of end doors.
- Versatility: Accommodate a wide range of large or heavy items that standard containers cannot handle.
- Secure Transport: Multiple lashing points integrated into the container frame allow for comprehensive securing of the load, ensuring stability during transit via road, rail, or sea.
- Stackability: Collapsible end walls on many models allow for efficient stacking when empty, reducing storage costs and optimising return logistics.
- Durability: Built from high-strength steel, flat racks withstand the rigours of heavy loads and frequent handling.
Whether you are moving industrial plant equipment, exporting manufactured goods, or transporting construction elements, flat racks provide the necessary strength and adaptability.
20ft Flat Rack Containers for Reading
Our 20ft flat rack containers offer a compact yet robust solution for transporting bulky cargo within or from the Reading area. These units are particularly useful for items that are too wide or too tall for standard 20ft containers but do not require the full length of a 40ft unit. The collapsible end walls are a key feature, allowing these containers to be stacked efficiently when empty, saving valuable space at depots or your Reading premises. All our 20ft flat racks are ISO certified and CSC plated, making them suitable for national and international transport via road, rail, and sea.
Key Features of 20ft Flat Racks
- ISO certified and CSC plated for global and UK transport compliance.
- Collapsible end walls facilitate easy stacking and return transport logistics.
- Available in standard flat rack or platform (flatbed) configurations.
- Robust steel structure with a durable timber floor.
- Forklift pockets for easier handling when empty.
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 for Reading
For businesses in Reading requiring maximum capacity and strength for oversized loads, our 40ft flat rack containers provide the solution. These units are widely favoured across UK industries for transporting exceptionally large or heavy items that are not suitable for enclosed containers. The greater length accommodates longer cargo, while the robust design ensures items remain secure during transit. Like their 20ft counterparts, the 40ft flat racks with collapsible ends enhance storage efficiency and streamline return logistics.
Key Features of 40ft Flat Racks
- Largest standard flat rack format, offering high weight and volume capacity.
- Fully ISO compliant and CSC plated for transport across the UK and globally.
- Collapsible end walls enable easy stacking when empty.
- Heavy-duty construction designed for the most demanding loads.
- Multiple lashing points for comprehensive cargo securing.
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 | |
Flat Rack Solutions and Delivery in Reading
Acorn Containers provides a range of flat rack container options to businesses in Reading. You can hire or purchase 20ft and 40ft flat racks, choosing between standard flat racks with end walls or platform containers (flatbeds) which have no end walls. We understand that specific projects may require tailored solutions, and we can discuss modifications to meet your unique requirements. We arrange efficient delivery of flat rack containers directly to your site in Reading or the surrounding areas using appropriate vehicles, including HIAB-assisted transport for easy offloading.
Selecting the right flat rack for your specific cargo and transport needs is crucial. Our experienced team is available to provide expert advice, helping you determine the most suitable container type, size, and configuration for your project in Reading.
Flat Rack Container FAQ for Reading Businesses
What types of cargo are best suited for flat rack containers?
Flat rack containers are ideal for oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped cargo that does not fit into standard enclosed containers. This includes machinery, vehicles, boats, large pipes, timber, steel coils, and construction components.
Are flat racks available for hire or purchase in Reading?
Yes, Acorn Containers offers both hire and purchase options for 20ft and 40ft flat rack containers for businesses located in Reading and the surrounding areas.
Can flat rack containers be delivered to my site in Reading?
Absolutely. We arrange delivery of flat rack containers directly to your specified location in Reading using suitable transport, including HIAB crane-assisted vehicles for convenient placement.
What is the difference between a flat rack and a platform container?
A standard flat rack container has end walls (either fixed or collapsible) but open sides and top. A platform container, also known as a flatbed, consists only of the base platform with no end walls, suitable for exceptionally long or wide cargo.
Are flat rack containers structurally sound for heavy loads?
Yes, flat rack containers are built with reinforced steel frames and heavy-duty floors specifically designed to carry heavy and concentrated loads safely. They incorporate numerous lashing points for securing cargo.