Flat rack shipping is the go-to method for oversized cargo, boats, and machinery going to ports that don't offer RoRo service. While a standard container is 8 feet wide and 8.5 feet tall (limiting what fits inside), a flat rack is an open platform that accommodates wide, tall, or irregular cargo.
What Is a Flat Rack?
A flat rack container is essentially a shipping platform with a reinforced floor, fixed or collapsible end walls, and no roof or side walls. Heavy or oversized cargo is placed on top of the flat rack, secured, and lashed for safe ocean transport.
Cranes at the port lift the flat rack (with cargo on it) and load it into the vessel, or in some cases, the flat rack rolls directly onto the ship.
When to Use Flat Rack Shipping
Flat rack is the right choice when:
- The cargo is oversized, too wide, tall, or long for a standard container
- You're shipping a boat or marine vessel, flat rack is ideal for recreational boats, yachts, and commercial vessels
- The destination port doesn't have RoRo service, flat rack can reach ports that only have container/crane service
- The machine is inoperative, can't drive under its own power for RoRo
- Cost-effective alternative to Mafi, for cargo that doesn't need the very heavy-duty Mafi platform
Our Flat Rack Shipping Process
- Pickup, we pick up your cargo from anywhere in the United States
- Fluid removal (boats), all fluids drained from marine vessels for safety compliance
- Shrink-wrapping (boats), vessels shrink-wrapped for protection during ocean transit
- Flat rack placement, cargo carefully positioned on the flat rack
- Securing, cargo secured using chains, straps, and blocking to prevent movement
- Lashing, professional lashing per international shipping standards
- Port transport, flat rack transported to port by specialized transport
- Loading, crane lifts flat rack onto vessel
- Ocean transit, cargo secured on vessel for overseas transport
Flat Rack Shipping for Boats
Boat shipping via flat rack is one of our specialty services. We handle:
- Recreational boats and powerboats
- Sailboats and catamarans
- Yachts and luxury vessels
- Commercial fishing vessels
- Smaller commercial craft
The boat arrives at our facility on its trailer. We drain all fluids (gasoline, oil, bilge water) for safety compliance, shrink-wrap the vessel for protection, mount it securely on the flat rack, lash it down, and ship it to your destination.
Marine Cargo Insurance
Every shipment is covered by full marine cargo insurance from the moment we pick up your machinery in the United States to delivery at your destination port. Your equipment is fully protected throughout the entire journey.
Get a Flat Rack Shipping Quote
Need to ship oversized machinery or a boat overseas? Contact us for a free flat rack shipping quote. We'll assess the dimensions and weight of your cargo and provide the most cost-effective solution.