Oversized and static cargo · Updated October 2026
Flat Rack Shipping for Machinery, Oversized Vehicles and Boats
A flat rack is an open container with ends but no roof or sides, used for loads too wide, too tall or too heavy for a closed container, and for static machinery, boats and vehicles on routes with no RORO service. It costs more than RORO and the load is not sealed, so it is the right choice only when RORO and a container will not work. Flat rack prices are quoted for each load from its dimensions and weight.
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Flat rack shipping
Quoted per load
Send length, width, height and weight with your quote request
Get my quoteNo account needed. Your quote is emailed to you.
What it is
An open container with end walls and no roof or sides
Sizes
20ft and 40ft
For
Over-height, over-width and heavy loads, static machinery, boats
Sealed?
No: the load is lashed and exposed
Insurance
Strongly recommended
Priced
Per load, from dimensions and weight
When is a flat rack the right choice?
Most vehicles that can be driven go RORO, which takes any height in the high and heavy space inside the ship and costs less. A flat rack is used when RORO is not possible:
- Static machinery and equipment that cannot be driven or towed onto a ship
- Loads too wide or tall for a container on a route without RORO
- Boats on trailers or cradles
- Routes where the only option for a large vehicle is a flat rack, such as East Africa to Europe at present
Flat rack, RORO or container: how do they compare?
| RORO | Shared container | Sole-use container | Flat rack | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Driveable cars, motorhomes, trucks and machinery | Cars, low campers and motorcycles on a budget | Classic and high-value cars, and vehicles with belongings | Oversized or static machinery, boats and loads that cannot roll |
| Typical cost | Car from £987, UK to the USA (sea freight) | From about €1,250 per vehicle on some routes | 20ft from £2,450, UK to the USA | Quoted per load from its size and weight |
| Belongings | Cars empty; motorhomes can usually carry secured items | Yes, listed on an inventory | Yes, listed on an inventory | No |
| Non-runners | Roll trailer on some routes, at extra cost | Yes, winched in | Yes, winched in | Yes, lifted on |
| Height limit | Any height: high and heavy space in the hold | About 2.5 m (high-cube door 2.58 m) | About 2.5 m (high-cube door 2.58 m) | Over-height and over-width loads |
| Security | Enclosed hold; driven on and off by port staff | Sealed container, shared | Sealed container, yours alone | Open platform, lashed down |
| Book ahead | 4–8 weeks | Shares are usually confirmed 2–3 months ahead | 4–6 weeks | As early as possible; space is limited |
How much does flat rack shipping cost?
Flat racks are priced per load, from the length, width, height and weight, and loads wider or taller than the rack pay out-of-gauge surcharges. A flat rack usually costs more than RORO for the same vehicle. Send the dimensions and weight, and whether the load can be driven, and your quote is emailed to you.
Which routes do you ship flat racks on?
We ship flat racks on routes where RORO is not available or cannot take the load, including East Africa to Europe and across the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia, and on request on other container routes.
How do I prepare a load for a flat rack?
- Measure the length, width and height at the widest and tallest points, including mirrors, racks and attachments
- Give the weight and lifting or lashing points
- Secure, protect or remove loose and fragile parts
- Take marine insurance: the load is open to the weather and the sea
- Photograph the load from every side before handover
How does flat rack shipping work?
- Request a quote Send the dimensions, weight and route; your quote is emailed to you.
- Book We book the flat rack and sailing; space for out-of-gauge cargo is limited, so book early.
- Load and lash The load is lifted or driven onto the rack and lashed down at the loading facility.
- Ship We track the vessel and keep you updated.
- Clear and collect Customs is cleared by our broker, a local agent we introduce or your own.
Do you ship machinery for businesses?
Yes. We ship plant, agricultural and construction machinery and project cargo for contractors, dealers and exporters. Send the equipment list with dimensions and weights for a business quote.
Questions about flat rack shipping
What is a flat rack container?
An open container with end walls but no roof or side walls, so oversized loads can be lifted on from above or the side and lashed down.
Is a flat rack cheaper than RORO?
No. For a vehicle that can be driven, RORO is usually cheaper. A flat rack is used when RORO is not available or cannot take the load.
Is cargo on a flat rack protected from the weather?
No. The load is open to the weather and spray, so protect sensitive parts and take marine insurance.
Can a motorhome go on a flat rack?
Yes, on routes without RORO. Where RORO is available it is usually cheaper and the motorhome travels in the enclosed hold.
How is a flat rack priced?
Per load, from its dimensions and weight, with surcharges for loads wider or taller than the rack. Send the details for a quote.
Related services and guides
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IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.
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