40ft Flat Rack Containers for Sale London
40ft flat rack shipping containers in London. Perfect for bulky or heavy cargo, find out how these containers offer a flexible solution for your shipping demand
40ft flat rack shipping containers in London. Perfect for bulky or heavy cargo, find out how these containers offer a flexible solution for your shipping demand
40ft flat rack shipping containers represent the pinnacle of versatility for transporting or storing oversized and irregularly shaped cargo that cannot fit into standard enclosed containers. These specialist units, featuring a robust, sturdy base and collapsible or fixed end walls, offer unparalleled flexibility for a wide range of applications.
The fundamental design of a flat rack container is what makes it indispensable for specific logistical challenges. By removing the side walls and roof of a conventional container, this creates a world of possibilities for cargo that would otherwise be impossible to ship. From heavy industrial machinery and construction vehicles to large pipes, timber, and even other containers, the 40ft flat rack is the workhorse of the oversized freight world. Whether you are operating in construction, manufacturing, or international logistics, our flat racks provide the strength and adaptability you need to move your goods safely and efficiently across London, the UK, and beyond.
Choosing a 40ft flat rack container from Shipping Containers of London offers numerous advantages, particularly for businesses handling non-standard cargo. The design is meticulously engineered to strike a balance between strength and operational flexibility.
The defining feature of a 40ft flat rack container is its open design, which facilitates effortless loading and unloading from the top or sides. Large, heavy, or awkwardly shaped items can be easily managed with cranes or heavy-duty forklifts, a process that would be unfeasible with a standard container. For maximum convenience, our collapsible-end flat racks feature end walls that fold down, creating a completely flat platform. This configuration is ideal for simplifying the transportation of especially bulky cargo and enables efficient stacking when the containers are empty, thereby saving valuable yard space.
Constructed from high-grade Corten steel, our 40ft flat rack containers are built to endure the harshest environments and the rigours of heavy industrial use. The base is heavily reinforced to withstand substantial point loads, providing a strong, stable platform for transporting heavy equipment, dense machinery, and other oversized items. This inherent toughness ensures your valuable cargo is secure, whether it’s on a construction site in Hackney or being shipped internationally from Tilbury.
Safety is paramount when transporting oversized loads. Our 40ft flat rack containers are equipped with numerous high-capacity lashing points, rings, and anchor points integrated into the floor and side rails. This abundance of securing options allows for the safe, compliant fastening of cargo, preventing movement during transit and ensuring it arrives at its destination in perfect condition. For specific load requirements, we can provide further customisation with additional lashing points.
The utility of a 40ft flat rack extends far beyond simple transport. These versatile units are frequently employed on construction sites in areas such as Croydon and Ealing, serving as temporary bridges across trenches or sturdy platforms for materials. Their robust nature makes them ideal for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, demonstrating a level of adaptability that few other shipping containers can match.
At Shipping Containers of London, we cater to a diverse clientele with varying budgets and requirements. That is why we offer both new and high-quality used 40ft flat rack containers. Every container we sell, whether new or used, is guaranteed to be structurally sound and fit for purpose.
For businesses that demand the highest quality and longevity, our new 40ft flat rack containers are the perfect choice. These units, often referred to as ‘one-trip’ containers, have made a single journey from the factory in Asia to the UK. They are in pristine condition, meeting the highest manufacturing standards for durability and performance. You can learn more about key factors to consider before buying a container on our blog.
For a more budget-friendly yet highly effective option, our used 40ft flat rack containers offer exceptional value. These are ex-fleet units that have been in service but are carefully inspected and refurbished by our technical team to ensure they remain fully compliant with high standards of performance and reliability. While they may show signs of previous use, such as scuffs and minor dents, they are certified wind and water-tight and structurally sound.
The table below outlines typical specifications for our 40ft flat rack containers. Variations may occur depending on the manufacturer, so please contact us if precise dimensions or capacity are critical for your project.
| Specification | Dimension / Detail |
|---|---|
| External Dimensions (L x W x H) | 40ft x 8ft x 8ft 6in (12.19m x 2.44m x 2.59m) |
| Internal Length | 39ft 5in (12.02m) |
| Tare Weight | Approx. 5,800 kg |
| Maximum Payload | Approx. 39,000 kg |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 44,800 kg |
| Material | High-tensile Corten Steel |
| End Walls | Collapsible or Fixed (model-dependent) |
| Stackable | Yes – when empty or in-gauge |
| Floor Type | Marine-grade timber with steel reinforcements |
| Lashing Points | Integrated side rails and floor-mounted rings |
| CSC Certified | Yes (on new and compliant used units) |
Need something smaller? Explore our 20ft flat rack containers for more compact oversized cargo solutions.
The unique design of the 40ft flat rack makes it the go-to solution for a wide array of challenging transport and storage tasks across numerous industries.
While flat racks are open by nature, securing the cargo is critical. We can enhance this with:
Discuss your specific modification needs with our team, and we will create a bespoke solution tailored to your requirements. Our ‘About Us’ page outlines our commitment to customer satisfaction.
Purchasing a 40ft flat rack container from Shipping Containers of London is a transparent and straightforward process. We are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you get the right product for your needs with a seamless delivery experience.
Our goal is to make the process hassle-free, from initial enquiry to final delivery. For any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.
Fixed-end flat rack containers have permanently attached, rigid end walls. This provides extra stability for certain types of cargo. In contrast, collapsible flat rack containers have end walls that fold down. This versatility is highly advantageous for saving space when storing or transporting empty containers, as multiple units can be stacked on top of each other, reducing shipping costs.
The maximum payload capacity of a 40ft flat rack container is substantial, typically 39,000-40,000 kg. However, this figure can vary slightly depending on the specific design, manufacturer, and whether the unit is new or used. It is always crucial to check the CSC plate on the container for the exact payload and gross weight limits before loading. You can find more information on our CSC plate information blog post.
Yes, they can. When the end walls collapse, collapsible flat rack containers can be stacked efficiently. This is a significant advantage for shipping lines and storage yards as it dramatically reduces the space required for empty units. Fixed-end flat racks can also be stacked, but they take up more vertical space. When loaded, stacking depends on the nature and stability of the cargo.
Absolutely. All our used 40ft flat rack containers intended for shipping are thoroughly inspected and come with a valid CSC (Convention for Safe Containers) plate, certifying them as safe and seaworthy for international transport. We ensure that every container, new or used, meets the required structural integrity standards for road, rail, and sea freight.
In most cases, if a container is used for temporary storage, planning permission is not required as it is considered a temporary structure. However, regulations can vary between local councils, especially for long-term placement or if the location is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We always recommend contacting your Local Planning Authority to confirm the specific requirements for your area before purchasing.
We deliver our 40ft flat rack containers using specialised HIAB crane-equipped lorries. These vehicles allow our skilled drivers to lift and precisely place the container on your site. The delivery vehicle is typically an articulated lorry, approximately 65ft long, so it’s essential to ensure there’s adequate access. Please review our detailed delivery guidelines to ensure your site is prepared.
Jeremy and the Team were very easy to work with. extremely quick to respond to our needs and the overall delivery was spot on. The container supplied was brand new and exceptionally clean, ready for our items to be stored safely and securely.
What a totally, refreshingly, brilliant company to deal with. They do what they say they will do at a time they say they will do it. Completely up front about everything: quality, cost, delivery etc. Nothing hidden. They accommodate the customer as far as humanly possible and their communications are spot on. I wish more companies were like this one.
The service from this company was excellent. We were working to tight deadlines and Jeremy was incredibly prompt in his communication, from the initial quote to the follow up email, to check everything had been received. He phoned the haulier and arranged a delivery around our schedule and Andy (the driver), kept us informed, so we knew exactly when he was arriving.
A professional company, that I would recommend highly.
Monday : 9:00–17:30
Tuesday : 9:00–17:30
Wednesday : 9:00–17:30
Thursday : 9:00–17:30
Friday : 9:00–17:30
Saturday : Closed
Sunday : Closed
Tel: 0330 0130 636
Email: info@shippingcontainersoflondon.co.uk