A flat rack consists of a flat bed with no sides. It is best used for heavy lift,over-length and/or over-height cargo. The first picture shows a 40′ flat rack with collapsible ends. Some types of 20′ flat racks have inserting boards on the rear end that can be removed from the side corners in order to cater for cargo length that is longer than the inside length of the container. This type of flat rack is shown on the second picture. Also, the lashing rings on the bottom side rails, side corners and floor are used to secure cargo through using of straps or chains. In terms of cost saving, this type of container allows shipment of goods as a containerized unit rather than as bulk goods.
