Buy Flat Rack Containers Ex Southampton
Find new & used 20/40ft flat rack containers for sale in Southampton. Competitive prices & fast delivery. Call us today for a quote.
Flat Rack Containers for Sale in Southampton
Shipping Containers of Southampton is the premier authority for specialist maritime equipment and heavy-duty storage solutions. The flat rack container is a critical engineering solution for cargo that exceeds standard width or height limits. Whether you need to buy shipping containers for permanent industrial use or for international freight, our local stock is inspected and ready for immediate dispatch. While this page focuses on purchasing, we also provide flexible flat rack container hire options for temporary projects and one-off shipments.
Industrial Grade Features for Oversized Cargo
We manage an extensive regional stock of flat racks designed to handle "out-of-gauge" (OOG) loads. A flat rack lacks side walls and a roof, consisting of a heavily reinforced floor and two end walls. This open structure is essential for cargo that must be loaded from the side or the top via a crane or a heavy-duty forklift. Every unit we sell is structurally sound and built from high-strength Corten steel to resist the corrosive maritime air found in the Port of Southampton.
- Fixed vs Collapsible Ends: We supply units with fixed end walls for maximum structural rigidity or collapsible ends that fold flat. Collapsible units are ideal for saving space during return logistics or when not in use.
- Integrated Lashing Points: Features multiple heavy-duty lashing rings along the side rails and the floor to securely fasten cargo for sea or road transport.
- Reinforced Flooring: Equipped with thick timber or steel floors designed to withstand extreme point-loading from machinery and industrial components.
- CSC Certification: All units intended for freight carry a valid CSC plate. This safety certificate proves the unit is fit for international transport and stacking.
20ft Flat Rack Containers for Sale
The 20ft flat rack is a compact yet powerful tool for moving heavy loads like generators, engines, or small plant machinery. It provides a robust platform with a high payload-to-size ratio. For a complete breakdown of internal clearances and loading data, please check our 20ft flat rack technical specs page.
| Description | Metric Measurements | Imperial Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6.096 x 2.438 x 2.591 m | 20’ x 8’ x 8’6" |
| Internal Length (Between Posts) | 5.850 m | 19’ 2" |
| Internal Width (Flush Floor) | 2.400 m | 7’ 10" |
| Tare Weight | 2,740 kg | 6,040 lbs |
| Maximum Payload | 31,260 kg | 68,860 lbs |
| Base Structure | Reinforced steel frame with forklift pockets and corner castings | |
40ft Flat Rack Containers for Sale
The 40ft flat rack is the industry standard for transporting massive industrial components, large vehicles, and structural steel. Its extended deck allows for the loading of long items that cannot fit in standard 20ft units. For detailed dimensions and deck area specifications, please check our 40ft flat rack technical specs page.
| Description | Metric Measurements | Imperial Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| External Dimensions (LxWxH) | 12.192 x 2.438 x 2.591 m | 40’ x 8’ x 8’6” |
| Internal Length (Between Posts) | 11.650 m | 38’ 2" |
| Internal Width (Flush Floor) | 2.210 m | 7’ 3" |
| Tare Weight | 4,950 kg | 10,910 lbs |
| Maximum Payload | 40,050 kg | 88,200 lbs |
| Structure Type | Articulated spring-loaded collapsible ends with a timber floor | |
Southampton Logistics and HIAB Delivery
Delivering heavy-duty flat racks in a busy maritime environment requires specialised equipment. Our delivery fleet uses HIAB crane-mounted lorries to position the unit precisely on your Southampton site. A HIAB truck allows the lifting and placement of the container over obstacles without the need for a separate onsite crane or forklift.
Standard delivery to Southampton postcodes and across Hampshire typically takes three to five working days. To ensure the safety of your cargo, the ground must be level and firm (concrete, tarmac, or compacted hardcore). Uneven ground can lead to instability, especially when loading high-tonnage items. We recommend reviewing our guide on preparing your site foundation to ensure a safe installation. Our transport team uses satellite imagery to check your site for overhead obstructions, such as power lines, before dispatching the vehicle.
Compliance and Planning Advice
Shipping containers are generally viewed as temporary structures by local authorities. However, for permanent commercial use or placement in a Conservation Area, you may need to seek advice. We recommend reviewing the local council planning rules guide to ensure your project remains compliant with Hampshire regulations. Proper planning prevents delays and ensures your stock is stored or transported within legal parameters.
Can I use a flat rack for international shipping?
Yes. All our new and used flat rack stock is ISO-compliant and holds a valid CSC plate. This ensures the unit is structurally sound and safe for use on container ships, trains, and articulated lorries worldwide. For more details on maritime safety, speak to our Southampton experts.
What is the advantage of collapsible end walls?
Collapsible ends allow the container to be folded flat when empty. This means several flat racks can be stacked together to occupy the same space as a single standard container, which significantly reduces return transport costs and storage footprint at your site.
Do you sell used flat rack containers?
Yes, we maintain a stock of high-quality used flat racks at our Southampton depot. These units are inspected to ensure they are "cargo-worthy" and structurally intact. While they may show signs of previous use, they provide a cost-effective solution for industrial projects.
Can I load a flat rack from the side?
Absolutely. The primary benefit of a flat rack is the absence of side walls. This allows forklifts or cranes to load wide cargo directly onto the deck from either side, which is impossible with a standard dry container.
A small selection of our Trustpilot reviews.
Can't fault them.
Quick response for everything from getting me a price to getting it delivered.
The driver was spot on and made sure we was happy with the positioning before leaving.
Excellent company - great service
We were messed around by another supplier and so after weeks of waiting to no avail we got a refund and went to these guys. Their communication was excellent and within days we had our container delivered. Container in excellent condition, the delivery driver was very helpful and arrived on time, and the total price was the cheapest we could fine. Highly recommended.
Great customer service from start to…
Great customer service from start to finish. Prompt response from any query, order and delivery date confirmed immediately and then a time slot given on the delivery date making the purchase very smooth.
Thank you!
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At Shipping Containers of Southampton, we serve locations across the South of England. Our hiab delivery coverage includes Reading, Portsmouth, Swindon, Basingstoke, Guildford, Maidenhead, Camberley, Eastbourne, Eastleigh, Bracknell, Bournemouth, Brighton, Slough, Crawley, Farnborough, Weybridge, Aldershot, and Chichester. Whether you need a new or used container, we offer prompt delivery and competitive pricing.