What is a Flat Rack Container used for?

Flat Rack Containers are used to carry bulky, oversized items that wouldn’t fit in a traditional shipping container because the side walls and roof are removed. Both ends are also collapsible, which makes it a reliable way to transport large items such as: Heavy Machinery Large Vehicles Construction Materials Oversized Pipes and Beams Industrial Boilers and Transformers Boats

What’s the maximum weight a Flat Rack Container can hold?

A 20ft Flat Rack Container can hold a maximum payload of 28,330 kg, while a 40ft Flat Rack can carry up to 25,000 kg. Flat Rack Containers are specifically built to handle heavy or oversized cargo that wouldn’t fit in a Standard Shipping Container.

Are Flat Rack Containers stackable?

Yes, Flat Rack Containers with collapsible ends are designed to be stackable. When the end walls are folded down, these units become very compact. It’s common for Flat Rack Containers to be transported stacked on top of one another to save space and reduce shipping costs.

What’s the difference between a Bolster and Flat Rack Container?

The main difference is that a flat rack container has end walls, while a Bolster Shipping Container is a flat platform with no ends at all. Both are engineered with reinforced bases to support massive weights, but the right choice depends on your cargo’s shape and security needs. Here is why you might choose one over the other: Flat Rack Container: These feature end walls (either fixed or collapsible) that provide extra security and more lashing points to tie down your gear. Bolster Container: Think of this as the ultimate heavy duty platform. Since it has no end walls at all, it is the perfect solution for extremely long items, like pipes or timber, that need to overhang the ends without any obstruction.

Flat Rack Shipping Containers For Sale

4.9 Stars, 700+ Reviews

Wind & watertight containers

Large stocks ready to go

Fast Delivery in Australia

20ft & 40ft Flat Rack Collapsible End Shipping Containers

Flat Rack Shipping Containers for sale are heavy-duty steel platforms with foldable end frames and no side walls or roof, built for cargo that won’t fit inside a Standard Shipping Container. Oversized machinery, structural steel, pipes, and vehicles can be craned or forked in from the top or either side. When not in use, the end frames fold flat for compact stacking and storage.

Available in 20ft and 40ft sizes in new and used grades, Flat Rack Shipping Containers are a staple across mining, construction, and farming where moving oversized freight is part of everyday operations.

20ft Flat Rack Collapsible End Shipping Containers
Great for oversized or heavy items
Space saving and collapsible design
Strong and durable
Get a Quote
Learn More
40ft Flat Rack Collapsible End Shipping Containers
Designed for non-standard cargo
Space saving and collapsible design
Strong and durable
Get a Quote
Learn More

Get a delivery price estimate for your postcode

The cost to buy Flat Rack Shipping Containers depends on your delivery area and available local transporters. Enter your postcode below to get our best tailored 2026 quote.

Flat Rack Container features

Built for bulky cargo

A flat rack collapsible end container is made for heavy, wide, or awkward cargo that won’t fit a standard shipping container.

Collapsible end walls

The end walls give you a solid frame to secure bulky cargo in place during transport, then fold down when empty so the unit becomes low-profile and stackable.

Heavy-duty build

Built from high-strength steel to handle heavy cargo, it's a durable solution for transporting goods and for day-to-day site use.

Secure & Reliable

Our range is wind and water tight, secure, and built to help protect your goods from weather and vermin.

Get a quote from Container Traders

Send us your container project and we’ll be back within two business days with our best price. For an instant quote, call our team via the details below.

Call our sales team

Speak directly with a container expert by calling 1300 89 89 70

Email us

Send project details to: [email protected]

Not ready to buy? Hire Flat Rack Shipping Containers from $260/mth*

Hiring a Flat Rack Container is often the most affordable way to get one on site fast when you only need it short term. Container Traders offers flexible hire of Flat Rack Shipping Containers delivered to your site, Australia-wide.

Container Hire

Flat Rack Shipping Container buyers guide

How much are Flat Rack Shipping Containers?

As of June 2026, purchasing a used 20ft flat rack shipping container from Container Traders starts between $6,700 - $8,000 + GST, while used 40ft flat rack shipping containers range from $8,000 - $10,500 + GST. Shipping container delivery is an additional cost, with pricing from major Australian cities starting at $410.

Pricing list (Updated June 2026)

Flat Rack Shipping Containers can vary depending on your specific needs. See our indicative pricing below for various options or view our shipping container prices page to view all pricing.

Flat Rack Shipping Containers	Buy New	Buy Used
20ft Flat Rack Fixed End Container	Request a Price	$6,700 - $8,000
40ft Flat Rack Fixed End Container	Request a Price	$8,000 - $10,500

*Prices exclude GST and delivery. Last updated: 16 June 2026

What are Flat Rack Shipping Containers used for?

Flat rack containers suit businesses moving oversized or bulky cargo that won’t fit a standard container. Popular applications include:

Transport and logistics
Ports
Mining
Construction
Oil and gas
Energy and infrastructure projects
Manufacturing
Defence
Agriculture

Frequently asked questions

Have another question about Flat Rack Shipping Containers? Contact us.

What is a Flat Rack Container used for?
Flat Rack Containers are used to carry bulky, oversized items that wouldn’t fit in a traditional shipping container because the side walls and roof are removed. Both ends are also collapsible, which makes it a reliable way to transport large items such as:

Heavy Machinery

Large Vehicles

Construction Materials

Oversized Pipes and Beams

Industrial Boilers and Transformers

Boats
What’s the maximum weight a Flat Rack Container can hold?
A 20ft Flat Rack Container can hold a maximum payload of 28,330 kg, while a 40ft Flat Rack can carry up to 25,000 kg. Flat Rack Containers are specifically built to handle heavy or oversized cargo that wouldn’t fit in a Standard Shipping Container.
Are Flat Rack Containers stackable?
Yes, Flat Rack Containers with collapsible ends are designed to be stackable. When the end walls are folded down, these units become very compact. It’s common for Flat Rack Containers to be transported stacked on top of one another to save space and reduce shipping costs.
What’s the difference between a Bolster and Flat Rack Container?
The main difference is that a flat rack container has end walls, while a Bolster Shipping Container is a flat platform with no ends at all. Both are engineered with reinforced bases to support massive weights, but the right choice depends on your cargo’s shape and security needs.

Here is why you might choose one over the other:

Flat Rack Container: These feature end walls (either fixed or collapsible) that provide extra security and more lashing points to tie down your gear.

Bolster Container: Think of this as the ultimate heavy duty platform. Since it has no end walls at all, it is the perfect solution for extremely long items, like pipes or timber, that need to overhang the ends without any obstruction.