Flat rack container dimensions (20ft and 40ft)
A 20ft flat rack has a loading area of about 5.64 × 2.44 m with end walls about 2.23 m high and a payload of around 42,000 kg; a 40ft flat rack is about 11.65 × 2.35 m, 2.27 m high, with around 49,000 kg payload. Flat racks have no side walls or roof, so they carry cargo that is too wide, tall or heavy for other containers.
20ft vs 40ft flat rack
| 20ft flat rack | 40ft flat rack (HC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Inside length | 5.64 m (18′ 6″) | 11.65 m (38′ 3″) |
| Inside width | 2.44 m (8′) | 2.35 m floor / 2.25 m min. |
| Inside height (end walls) | 2.23 m | 2.27 m |
| Tare | 2,900 kg | 5,900 kg |
| Max payload | 42,100 kg | 49,100 kg |
What flat racks are used for
- Vehicles, boats, construction and agricultural machinery.
- Oversized cargo such as transformers, generators, tanks and steel structures.
- Very heavy items that need a high payload and lashing points along the sides.
Cargo wider or taller than the flat rack is shipped as out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo and needs carrier approval. For tall cargo that fits the width, an open top container is usually cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 20ft flat rack?
About 5.64 m long and 2.44 m wide inside, with end walls about 2.23 m high.
What are the dimensions of a 40ft flat rack?
About 11.65 m long and 2.35 m wide, with end walls about 2.27 m high for a high cube flat rack.
How much weight can a flat rack carry?
Around 42,000 kg for a 20ft and 49,000 kg for a 40ft high cube flat rack, depending on the design.