Flat rack
A flat rack is a container - usually - with two end walls, but without side walls and a roof. Some flat racks can also be equipped with stanchions . Flat racks are also available as stanchion containers with and without end walls and as combination containers, some with side walls and stanchions.
There are flat racks in the standard sizes of 20 'or 40', and also in the dimensions of high-cube containers . They are used for goods that exceed the dimensions of ISO containers. The packages, in most cases boxes, are secured on the flat rack.
The static payload of 40 'flat rack containers is 50,000 kg in the newer design, which is why flat rack containers are often used as so-called “artificial decks” on full container ships to transport large and heavy machine parts.
The shipping company charges surcharges for the freight costs, and a fee is also charged for the use of the flat rack itself; these costs are included in the freight rate . Flat racks, open top containers and refrigerated containers are also referred to as special equipment , the freight costs of which are higher than those of standard containers. The empty flat racks are mostly only available in the seaports. For loading in the inland port, they must be transferred for a fee.
