Containers
Flat Rack Container(1) - Types & Structure
Aug 11,2025

As a key category of specialty containers, flat rack containers are well-suited for transporting heavy and bulky cargo. Common flat rack containers come in two sizes: 20'FR and 40'FR. The 20'FR is more suitable for small and medium-sized out-of-gauge cargo, while the 40'FR, with its longer load surface, is the preferred choice for transporting large equipment. In terms of appearance, they can be categorized as column-type and plate-type. The column-type utilizes high-strength corner columns for enhanced structural stability, while the plate-type utilizes flat side panels for improved cargo fit. Both types offer flexible conversion capabilities—by lowering the columns and front and rear panels, the container can be transformed into a flatbed, hence the name "flat rack."


This convertible structure is one of the core advantages of the flat rack container. When transporting extra-high cargo, the frame structure can be maintained using a roofless design to accommodate cargo exceeding the standard height. Converting to flatbed container format allows for accommodating extra-long or irregularly shaped cargo, such as rails and large pipes, achieving a "one container, multiple uses" upgrade. Whether 20' FR or 40' FR, the basic structure is designed for enhanced load-bearing capacity, with corner posts and side beams constructed of high-strength steel to ensure resistance to crushing and impact during loading, unloading, and transportation.

Different types of flat rack containers feature distinct details: the post-frame container has removable corner posts for easy side lifting; the plate-frame container has evenly distributed side panels for securing irregular cargo. This differentiated design allows the flat rack container to cover a wider range of scenarios, from short-haul port transshipment to cross-border ocean transport.

For businesses transporting oversized cargo, understanding the specific characteristics of the flat rack container type is key to improving efficiency. The flexibility of 20'FR containers is suitable for multiple small-batch shipments, while the large capacity of 40'FR containers reduces unit freight costs. CIMC Equilink's flat rack container system covers both 20'FR and 40'FR types. Whether column-type or plate-type, each utilizes precision craftsmanship to ensure structural stability, providing suitable transportation solutions for a wide range of heavy-lift cargo.

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