Flat Rack Booking Practical Operation: Quotation & Lifting Key Points for Overlength and Overweight Cargo

Mihan Jun 05,2026

Improper Steel Wire Rope Angle May Result in Ship Bulwark Damage – Full-Process Analysis from Road Survey to Lashing Inspection by Mihan Logistics

Pain Point Opening Quote

“An excavator shipped via flat rack incurred USD 30,000 in lashing expenses, yet the destination port rejected unloading due to non-compliant securing works, triggering daily demurrage of USD 800.”

Flat racks come without full enclosure protection, so cargo safety hinges entirely on scientifically formulated lashing solutions. Mihan Logistics runs a dedicated Heavy Cargo Project Department. This article systematically breaks down the full operational workflow for flat rack export shipments covering road survey, booking arrangement and classification society inspection.

I. Flat Rack (FR) Types

Collapsible Flat Rack
Non-Collapsible Flat Rack

Common container specifications: 20FR, 40FR

II. Dimension & Load-Bearing Capacity

Specifications	20FR	40FR
Inner Length (Between Bulkheads)	5.8 m	12.0 m
Inner Width	2.19 m	2.19 m
Height Restriction	No height limit (Pre-shipment declaration mandatory for cargo over 2.6 m in height)	No height limit
Maximum Payload	40 MT	45 MT

Note: Allowable payload is subject to shipping line and routing restrictions, finalised upon confirmed booking.

III. Applicable Cargo Scope

Oversize steel pipes
Wind turbine blades
Construction machinery (excavators, bulldozers and other engineering vehicles)
Large power transformers
Yachts and other irregular oversized heavy equipment

IV. Five Pre-Booking Preparation Steps by Mihan Logistics

Detailed Drawing Review: Confirm cargo centre of gravity and rationality of lifting lug design.
On-Site Road Survey & Over-Dimensional Permit Handling: Complete full-route site inspection from manufacturer’s warehouse to terminal and apply for overland oversize transportation permits on client’s behalf.
Terminal Lifting Capacity Verification: Arrange floating crane operation for cargo exceeding 200 metric tons.
Pre-Approval with Shipping Lines: secure stowage positions on the lower deck (or as required) to guarantee hull structural integrity and voyage safety.
Lashing Plan Approval: Cooperate with classification societies to compile official lashing calculation dossiers and certification documents for carrier’s audit reference.

V. Lashing & Securing Standards (Mihan Logistics In-House Specification)

Securing Combination: Welded cargo chocks + high-tensile steel wire ropes + load binders
Bracing Requirement: A minimum of two cross lashings installed per stress-bearing direction
Anti-Slip Treatment: Rubber anti-slip pads or anti-slip coating to prevent cargo shifting during transit
Third-Party Inspection & Certification: Invite authoritative classification societies including Lloyd’s Register (LR) and DNV to conduct on-site inspection and issue formal lashing certificates.

Mihan Logistics Reminder: Valid lashing certification is a prerequisite for smooth discharge at destination ports and effective demurrage avoidance.

VI. Cost Breakdown (Flat Rack freight is normally multiple times higher than standard dry van rates)

Flat Rack Container Hire: USD 500 – USD 1,000 per day
Specialized Lashing Service Fee: USD 1,000 – USD 5,000 (priced per cargo complexity)
Extra Terminal Lifting Surcharge: USD 500 – USD 2,000
Potential Extra Charges: Onboard escort service fee, terminal oversize handling surcharge and other incidental expenses

Mihan Logistics Core Takeaway

Flat racks are premium options within special cargo shipping; on-site road survey and tailored lifting scheme design are compulsory prior to formal quotation. Equipped with full heavy-lift operation qualifications, Mihan Logistics handles all regulatory formalities end-to-end to deliver compliant, secure and worry-free cargo shipment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who is authorised to approve flat rack lashing schemes?

A1: Approval is granted by vessel Chief Officers or accredited classification societies. Mihan Logistics maintains long-term partnerships with leading global classification societies to accelerate plan review and official certification issuance.

Q2: What is the maximum allowable payload for flat rack containers?

A2: Recommended max load: ≤40 MT for 20FR and ≤45 MT for 40FR. For overweight cargo beyond such limits, Ro-Ro vessel transportation or split-lift split-shipment is recommended as alternative solutions. Mihan Logistics customises feasible backup shipping options upon request.

Q3: Why is flat rack freight far costlier than regular container freight?

A3: Higher pricing originates from restricted deck space occupancy, non-stackable stowage, mandatory bespoke lashing and third-party inspection, plus substantial empty container repositioning costs. By consolidating multi-client cargo volumes, optimising sailing routes and negotiating directly with carriers, Mihan Logistics strives to secure cost-effective freight rates for clients.

Mihan Logistics – Your Specialist for Heavy-Duty & Flat Rack Shipping

Submit your cargo specifications to receive a complimentary preliminary transportation proposal.

Get in touch for professional road survey, custom lashing design and one-stop container booking services. With Mihan Logistics, complex heavy cargo transportation is made effortless.

For detailed space booking guidelines of various container types, please refer to exclusive documents compiled by Mihan Logistics :

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