Flat Rack container
Also known as: FR · 20FR · 40FR · Flat · Collapsible flat rack · 22P3 · 42P3
A flat rack is a container with a strong floor and two end walls, but no side walls and no roof. It carries large, heavy cargo that does not fit in a closed box.
Specifications
Typical figures — exact figures vary by shipping line and manufacturer.
| Specifications | 20' FR | 40' FR |
|---|---|---|
| ISO size-type code | 22P3 | 42P3 |
| Internal length | 5,620 mm | 11,660 mm |
| Internal width | 2,230 mm | 2,200 mm |
| Internal height | 2,230 mm | 1,950 mm |
| Tare weight | 2,750 kg | 5,000 kg |
| Max payload | 31,250 kg | 40,000 kg |
Typical cargo
Oversized and heavy cargo: machinery, vehicles, boats, steel beams and structures, pipes, transformers, and cable drums.
In plain words
Flat racks come in 20' and 40' sizes. On many, the end walls can fold down. Cargo can be loaded from the top or from the sides with a crane or forklift. They are used for machinery, vehicles, boats, steel structures, and cable drums.
Cargo on a flat rack is often wider or taller than a normal container. This is out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo: it needs extra space on the ship, careful lashing, and sometimes special permits for road transport. The cost is higher, and space is limited, so plan and book early.
There are two main kinds. A fixed-end flat rack (ISO code P1) has end walls that do not move. A collapsible flat rack (P3) has end walls that fold down flat. Empty collapsible racks can be stacked into one bundle, usually four or five high, so returning them empty costs less.
Example from real shipping
A company ships a 3.2 m wide transformer. It is too wide for any closed container. The forwarder books a 40' flat rack, and a crane lifts the transformer onto it at the factory. A lashing team secures it with chains, and the truck to the port travels with an oversize permit.
Related terms
- Open Top containerAn open top container has no fixed roof. It is covered with a removable tarpaulin, so cargo can be loaded from above with a crane.
- Platform containerA platform is a container base with no walls, no ends, and no roof — just a very strong floor with corner fittings. It carries very large, heavy pieces.
- OOGOOG cargo is cargo that sticks out beyond the normal outside size of a container — too high, too wide, or too long. It usually travels on a flat rack, open top, or platform.
- Container typesA side-by-side comparison of the common shipping container types: sizes, weights, capacity, pallet places, and typical cargo.
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Request a QuoteThis glossary is general information, not legal or customs advice. Rules, fees, and practice can differ by carrier, port, and country.