20ft Collapsible Flatrack Container
Overview
When it comes to heavy equipment, machinery, and oversized loads, standard containers fall short — and that’s where the 20ft Collapsible Flatrack Container stands tall. Designed without fixed side walls or a roof, this container allows for easy top or side loading of awkward or oversized cargo. The end walls are collapsible, allowing for compact stacking and easy return shipping.
With a CORTEN steel frame and reinforced base, this flatrack is built to handle extreme weight and irregular dimensions — from construction vehicles to pipes, reels, and industrial generators.
Ideal For:
✅ Heavy equipment transport
✅ Military and agricultural machinery
✅ Construction materials and beams
✅ Offshore platforms and oil & gas gear
✅ Awkwardly shaped or tall freight
📐 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| External Dimensions | 20′ L × 8′ W × 8′6″ H (end walls up) |
| Internal Length | ~19’4″ (between end walls) |
| Tare Weight | ~6,000–6,500 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | ~88,000 lbs (varies by road laws) |
| Max Gross Weight | ~94,000 lbs |
| Condition | One-trip or cargo-worthy |
| Frame Material | CORTEN steel |
| Flooring | Steel or hardwood slats (varies) |
| End Walls | Collapsible |
🛠️ What Is a Collapsible Flatrack?
A collapsible flatrack container is a specialized type of intermodal shipping unit engineered to carry cargo that cannot fit inside standard enclosed containers. Unlike traditional shipping containers, flatracks do not have a fixed roof or side walls. Instead, they feature a reinforced flat steel base and two foldable end walls that can be locked in the upright position or collapsed flat when not needed.
This open configuration allows for the top and sides to remain unobstructed, making it exceptionally useful for loading heavy, oversized, or irregularly shaped items that would be difficult—or impossible—to fit inside a standard box-style container.
The collapsible end walls provide two key benefits:
- They offer structural support and securing points during transit.
- When folded down, they allow multiple flatracks to be stacked together, optimizing storage and return logistics for shipping lines or contractors.
When dealing with cargo that:
- exceeds container width (e.g., machinery or long metal pipes),
- stands taller than standard internal heights (e.g., large equipment on skids), or
- requires special loading methods (e.g., cranes from above),
a collapsible flatrack offers clear, top-side access, no structural interference, and the flexibility needed to safely load and secure cargo without risking damage to side panels or doors.
🔹 Unobstructed Loading/Unloading
With no roof or side walls, cargo can be loaded using cranes, slings, or forklifts from virtually any direction — perfect for awkward, tall, or immobile items.
🔹 Space-Saving Stackability
Once offloaded, flatracks with collapsed ends can be stacked up to 5–7 units high, saving valuable yard space and cutting return freight costs.
🔹 Handles Non-Standard Dimensions
Whether it's an excavator, a steel coil, or a prefabricated modular component, collapsible flatracks can accommodate overwidth and overheight items that would otherwise require specialized shipping permits.
🔹 Dual Utility – Domestic & International Use
These containers are ISO-compliant and frequently used across both domestic construction supply chains and international freight corridors, thanks to their robust build and dimensional flexibility.
🟩 Use Cases – Who Buys 20ft Collapsible Flatracks?
The 20ft Collapsible Flatrack Container is not your everyday shipping solution — it’s a specialized workhorse built for industries that move irregularly shaped, oversized, or heavyweight cargo that standard containers simply can’t accommodate.
These flatracks are most commonly seen in high-demand environments where efficiency, load security, and structural resilience are non-negotiable. Whether you’re in construction, energy, mining, logistics, or maritime operations, flatracks are the container of choice when the cargo exceeds the limits of enclosed boxes.
🔧 Real-World Applications in Action
Construction firms and infrastructure contractors frequently rely on flatracks to ship bulldozers, excavators, graders, and backhoes. These machines are often wider or taller than ISO-standard containers can accommodate. The open sides and collapsible ends allow for top or crane loading without constraints, making it ideal for bulkier wheelbases and extended booms.
In the offshore and maritime sector, equipment like diesel ship engines, propeller units, and subsea cable modules often defy container norms. Flatracks enable safe, secure placement of large mechanical parts, with lashing points and reinforced flooring to handle thousands of pounds without flexing or compromising load safety.
Construction material suppliers use 20ft flatracks to transport long steel I-beams, concrete panels, bridge segments, and support columns. These materials are often overwidth or unevenly shaped, and side loading is critical. Flatbeds with collapsible ends allow for modular stacking, bundling, and easy crane placement on job sites.
Power generation companies use flatracks to transport large-scale generators, battery systems, and solar energy kits. Whether you're powering a mining camp or backing up a remote facility, these loads require a secure base with load-bearing integrity and transport stability — something standard containers can’t guarantee.
Manufacturers and OEMs moving factory components, press machines, textile looms, or conveyor modules opt for collapsible flatracks to avoid disassembly. The flexibility to load from the top or sides reduces risk during handling and ensures faster setup on arrival.
- They need unrestricted height and width access
- Their cargo is too irregular, dangerous, or heavy for standard containers
- They're shipping items that must remain upright or fully assembled
- They require top-load access via crane or industrial forklift
- They want stackable, collapsible equipment for return logistics
📍 Nationwide Delivery – Fast, Flexible, On Your Terms
We ship across all 48 contiguous states with tailored delivery plans from the nearest depot to your site. Whether you’re in a metro industrial park or a rural yard, we’ll get your flatrack there safely and on time.
| Region | Estimated Delivery Time | Depot Coverage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | 5–7 business days | NY, NJ, FL, GA — close to major ports |
| Midwest | 6–8 business days | IL, MO, OH — regional hubs for heavy freight |
| West Coast | 5–10 business days | CA, AZ, WA — access to port and interior |
⏱️ Typical quote-to-delivery cycle: ~7 business days
📍 Depot origin and route confirmed during quoting
🚚 Delivery Options for Oversized Equipment
Due to the unique structure and intended use of collapsible flatrack containers, delivery logistics are slightly different from those of enclosed containers. These units are typically used for bulk, irregular, or heavy-duty freight, so we tailor our delivery approach to ensure the container arrives safely — and ready for immediate use.
Our delivery methods include:
Ideal for sites with solid ground and easy access, a tilt-bed truck allows for ground-level delivery of empty or lightly loaded flatrack containers. This method works best when the container is being delivered for later loading or storage. However, due to the open and unprotected structure of flatracks, tilt-bed delivery is generally not recommended for cargo-loaded flatracks unless pre-approved.
🔧 Best for: Empty racks, farm sites, laydown yards.
This is the preferred method for flatrack deliveries — particularly for heavy or pre-loaded units. The container arrives secured to a flatbed trailer, and it is the customer’s responsibility to unload the unit using onsite lifting equipment (such as a crane or forklift). This method is more efficient for oversized or pre-configured loads that are not containerized.
🚜 Best for: Industrial sites, ports, manufacturing facilities.
For sites with tight access, urban restrictions, or limited turning space, we offer crane-assisted delivery. Our dispatch team will coordinate with local operators to ensure the container is safely lifted, rotated if needed, and placed in its final position. Crane delivery is especially helpful when flatracks are being used for on-site fabrication or semi-permanent installations.
🏙️ Best for: Rooftop projects, downtown construction, enclosed job sites.
📌 Site Requirements & Delivery Readiness
To ensure a safe, smooth, and cost-effective delivery, we require certain site conditions to be met in advance. Because flatrack containers are heavy-duty and often used in rugged environments, your site must be prepared for large transport vehicles and — in some cases — industrial lifting gear.
Please confirm the following prior to scheduling your delivery:
If your flatrack will arrive with cargo already on it, you will need an onsite crane, boom lift, or forklift capable of handling the total weight. Unloading a pre-loaded flatrack without proper gear can cause delays, damage, or delivery refusal.
💡 Tip: For empty containers, lifting gear is optional unless your access is restricted.
Your delivery location must have a solid and stable surface that can support the weight of a heavy-duty truck and trailer. This includes gravel, concrete, compacted dirt, or asphalt. Soft, muddy, or uneven terrain may result in the vehicle becoming stuck or delivery being rescheduled.
🚫 Avoid: Wet grass, loose sand, or steep inclines.
The delivery vehicle must have at least 12 feet of horizontal clearance to navigate and position the flatrack properly. This includes driveways, gates, job site entrances, and approach paths. For tight access points, consider crane delivery.
Ensure there are no overhead hazards such as power lines, low-hanging branches, or signage in the intended drop area or access route. A typical tilt or crane lift may require 14 feet or more of vertical clearance to safely raise and maneuver the container.
💰 Pricing
| Region | Price Range (20ft Collapsible Flatrack) |
|---|---|
| East Coast | $5,000 – $5,600 |
| Midwest | $5,200 – $5,800 |
| West Coast | $5,400 – $6,000 |
💡 Prices may vary based on steel market, depot stock, and transport factors. Quotes valid for 72 hours.
🧾 What’s Included in Your Purchase
When you purchase a 20ft Collapsible Flatrack Shipping Container from 24/7 Container Inc., you’re not just buying a steel frame — you’re investing in a complete, end-to-end service experience built on reliability, transparency, and long-term performance.
Here’s exactly what comes with your order:
Each unit is inspected and approved for immediate use in domestic or international transport. Built to ISO standards with high-strength CORTEN steel, your flatrack arrives ready to handle oversized or unconventional cargo with no additional modifications required.
Need documentation for insurance, resale, or corporate compliance? We can provide a detailed inspection report outlining the container’s frame condition, welds, flooring, and locking mechanisms. This gives you peace of mind and provides third-party verification of the unit's quality.
Our team coordinates with you from the moment you place your order to the day your flatrack arrives. We’ll work around your job site schedule, access limitations, and any required lifting equipment. Whether you're in a remote area or an urban delivery zone, we streamline logistics so you don’t have to.
Depending on the build spec, your flatrack may include integrated lashing rings, corner castings, or twist-locks designed to secure heavy or irregular freight during transit. We'll inform you of the exact configuration during quoting so you can plan accordingly.
Questions about what you can load, how to offload, or whether you need additional equipment? Our experienced container specialists are available via phone and email to walk you through every stage — from selection to safe usage after delivery.
🛡️ Warranty & Quality Assurance – Confidence You Can Count On
At 24/7 Container Inc., we don’t just sell containers — we stand behind every unit that leaves our yards. That’s why all 20ft Collapsible Flatrack Containers come with a comprehensive 24-Month Limited Warranty, designed to provide peace of mind, minimize your post-purchase risk, and demonstrate our commitment to structural integrity and customer satisfaction.
This warranty specifically covers the critical load-bearing and structural elements that matter most when you’re transporting oversized or heavy-duty equipment.
Our warranty focuses on the most essential parts of the flatrack container, ensuring you receive a safe, dependable product that performs reliably in real-world conditions:
- Frame Welds
Coverage includes all perimeter and base welds that provide structural support to the flatrack during transit and loading operations. - End Wall Locking Mechanisms
We cover the operational integrity of the collapsible end walls — including locking pins and hinge systems — to ensure they function as intended without failure or excessive wear. - Base Flooring Integrity
Whether steel-slatted or hardwood, the container floor is inspected to meet industrial loading standards. We guarantee that no structural weakness, rotting, or buckling will compromise the flooring during the covered period (under normal use). - Post-Delivery Inspection Window
You are encouraged to perform a visual and functional inspection within 48 hours of delivery. Any issues reported during this window are fully covered for fast resolution.
While we stand behind the integrity of every container we deliver, there are certain exclusions necessary to maintain fair warranty standards:
- Damage from Improper Loading or Handling
Flatracks used to transport cargo that exceeds their rated capacity, or those loaded without proper weight distribution, may incur damage that falls outside warranty protection. - Third-Party Modifications
Any alterations, welding, cutting, or frame adjustments performed after delivery — unless approved in writing by 24/7 Container Inc. — will void the warranty for affected sections. - Environmental Wear
Normal wear and tear due to climate exposure, superficial rust, or cosmetic damage from transport are not covered unless they affect core functionality.
- Inspect promptly upon delivery (ideally within 48 hours)
- Document the issue with clear photos and a brief description
- Submit your claim via email to our support team with your order number and contact details
- We review and respond within 1–2 business days with the resolution steps
If your claim is validated, we may issue a refund, replacement part, or arrange a local repair depending on the issue and location.
⚙️ Optional Upgrades & Custom Builds
Ask us about tailored builds or outfitting your flatrack container:
- Steel tie-downs or D-rings
- Custom paint or galvanizing
- Forklift pockets or stacking fittings
- Edge barriers or stanchions
- Branding & decals
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