Flat racks are useful in many situations, but in others, an alternative mode of transportation may be preferable. Knowing when to use or not use a flat rack container can save you time and money when shipping your freight. The more knowledge you have about flat rack containers, the more likely you are to benefit from them.
Cost of Shipping With a Flat Rack Container
Like any other transport, the cost of shipping with a flat rack varies depending on several factors. The main thing to consider is that many more standard shipping containers are in circulation, making them more affordable than flat rack container transport. If your cargo can fit into a 20—or 40-foot shipping container, this may be the better and more affordable option.
Efficiency of Shipping With a Flat Rack Container
Because of the widespread use of standard containers, many ports can accept them in the most effective manner. At least one container crane — known as a gantry or ship-to-shore crane — is present at every major port.
These cranes facilitate the loading and unloading of containers between a rail line and a container vessel and vice versa.
Using a specialized crane to load and unload a flat rack for international transport may be necessary. This will incur additional expenses to station the crane and hire a crane operator at a port when needed.
Convenience and Flexibility of Shipping With a Flat Rack Container
While traveling on the highway, you have often seen containers towed behind semi-tractors. As a result, several container carriers permit shippers to load and unload containers by transporting them straight to the shipping facility.
In contrast, flat racks are usually stationed in ports. Occasionally, you may see a flat rack moving to a neighboring facility if the city is near a port, like in Long Beach, California. But you will never see a flat rack traveling long distances.
Risks of Shipping With a Flat Rack Container
Think about what has been said about flexibility. Suppose you can load a container at your shipping facility and unload it at its final destination using the same container. In that case, your cargo was never transferred to separate equipment. The absence of cargo transfers decreases the chance of damage and even of it falling into the wrong hands.
Because flat racks only have walls or stability posts at their ends, you risk being exposed to the elements of the ocean. That said, similar to transporting on a flatbed trailer, your stuff can be covered with a tarp. If you’ve ever transported using a tarp, it does not entirely seal your stuff as a container or dry van trailer would.