Sometimes, cargo is so awkward, long, or oddly shaped that even a Flat Rack's end-walls get in the way. When you need a completely unobstructed surface essentially a floating floor for your cargo—you need a Flat Bed Container.

Listed in the TraceContainer.com system as "FLAT BED", this unit is the ultimate solution for "Out of Gauge" (OOG) and Breakbulk cargo. It is essentially a reinforced steel deck that allows cargo to overhang in any direction—front, back, left, or right.

What is a Flat Bed Container?

A Flat Bed (often technically referred to as a Platform Container) consists of a steel frame and a wooden floor.

• No Walls: It has zero superstructure. No roof, no side walls, and crucially, no front or rear bulkheads (end walls).

• No Posts: Unlike a Flat Rack, there are no corner posts sticking up. It is completely flat.

Flat Bed vs. Flat Rack: The Critical Difference

This is the most common confusion in logistics.

• Flat Rack: Has two end walls (bulkheads). You can stack them. Cargo is usually limited to the length of the rack (unless you load over the top of the walls).

• Flat Bed: Has NO end walls.

  • Advantage: You can ship cargo that is longer than the container itself (e.g., a 45ft steel beam on a 40ft Flat Bed) because nothing blocks the ends.

Best Uses: Extreme Dimensions

The Flat Bed is used for "Project Cargo" that defies standard dimensions.

1. Extreme Length: Pipes, propeller shafts, or wind turbine blades that stick out over the front and back.

2. Extreme Width: Massive machinery that needs to be loaded from any angle.

3. Artificial Decks: Multiple Flat Beds can be placed side-by-side or end-to-end on a ship to create a massive "false deck" to hold huge items like locomotives or entire boats.

Dimensions (Standard 40ft Flat Bed)

Since there are no walls, the "Internal" dimensions are effectively the "External" dimensions.

Lashing & Securing

Because there are no walls to hold the cargo, Lashing is everything.

• Lashing Points: The side rails of a Flat Bed are lined with heavy-duty steel "eyes" or rings.

• The Rule: Cargo must be chained down by professional lashing teams. Since the cargo is exposed to wind and waves from all sides, the securing must be certified by a marine surveyor.

Track Your Flat Bed Shipment

When you are shipping something that requires a Flat Bed, it is usually a high-stakes, high-value project. Don't lose sight of your critical equipment. Track your Flat Bed container globally with TraceContainer.com.

Track My Flat Bed container