Flatracks consist of a floor structure with a high loading capacity composed of a steel frame and a softwood floor and two end walls, which may either be fixed or collapsible. The end walls are stable enough to allow cargo securing means to be attached and several flat racks to be stacked on top of one another. Flatracks are available in 20′ and 40′ sizes.
A number of lashing rings, to which the cargo may be secured, are installed in the side rails, the corner posts, and the floor. The lashing rings may take loads of up to 2000 kg in the case of 20′ flatracks or up to 4000 kg in the case of 40′ flatracks.
Some types of 20′ flatracks have forklift pockets.
40′ flatracks have gooseneck tunnels at each end. In addition, they are sometimes equipped with lashing winches with 2 metric ton lashing belts.
For transportation of certain cargoes, flatracks may be provided with stanchions.
Dimensions/weights
The following are some of the most important details relating to flatracks. The data was taken from Hapag-Lloyd, Hamburg
The maximum payload may be used only if the load is distributed evenly over the floor structure. However, if the weight of the cargo is applied to only a small proportion of the floor, it must be distributed and the manufacturer of the flatracks may have to be consulted on safety issues.
Use
Flatracks are mainly used to transport heavy-lifts and overheight or overwidth cargoes.