Container basics
flat rack container (FR)
A flat rack container is a container with a strong floor and end structures but open sides and no roof. It carries oversized, heavy or odd-shaped cargo that will not fit in a closed box. Carrier listings show 20-foot and 40-foot flat racks.
Why it matters
Flat racks carry items such as large machinery, pipe and vehicles. The open design lets crews load from the top or sides. Carrier specs list high payload ratings for flat racks, but cargo must be secured with lashing points. For a portable storage operator, flat racks are not a common rental. They matter for heavy industrial customers and for operators who buy specialty equipment from lessors. A common mistake is to treat the payload as the whole story. Load placement, securing method and how the unit is lifted also matter. Ask for the unit's rated weight and lashing details, and use qualified riggers.
Definition source: one-line.com
Related terms
open top container
An open top container is a container with a removable or open roof, so cargo can be loaded from above by crane or lift. It is made for tall or heavy items. Carrier listings include open tops in 20-foot, 40-foot and 40-foot high cube sizes.
payload
Payload is the weight of cargo a container can carry. It equals the maximum gross weight minus the container's own empty (tare) weight. Carrier specs list payload next to tare weight for each container size and type, so buyers can compare them side by side.
container forklift
A container forklift is a forklift used to lift or load containers. It may lift an empty container by its forklift pockets, or it may drive into a container to load pallets. Heavy-duty container handlers are a different class of machine.
container modification
A container modification is a change made to a standard shipping container. It covers a single door cut-in up to a full fit-out. Common changes include doors, windows, vents, insulation, electrical work, HVAC, lining, partitions and plumbing. Sellers often group these changes into packages.
crane truck
A crane truck is a truck with a crane mounted on the bed or chassis. It lifts a container off a trailer, over fences or onto a tight spot. It is also called a boom truck or loader crane truck.
ISO 1496
ISO 1496 is a series of international standards for the specification and testing of series 1 freight containers. Part 1 covers general cargo containers for general purposes, including totally enclosed boxes and some vented or open top types. Other parts cover tank, thermal, dry bulk and platform containers.
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