By Sherine Chen    Photo：CANVA

After finalizing the deal to proceed with the shipment of overweight or overheight cargo with the buyer or seller, the next consideration is determining how to deliver it and selecting the appropriate container for your cargo.

In the last article, we discussed the various types of shipping containers, each serving a different function. However, flat rack and top containers are both suitable for oversized and irregularly sized cargo. What differentiates them, and how do you decide which one to choose?

Flat Rack
A flat rack container is a type of container that has only of a flat rack with no walls on the longer sides and no ceilings on top. The main advantage of using this container is that you don't need to stress about the size or shape of your goods during transportation. This is because there are no walls or ceilings, making it easy to accommodate everything. Flat racks are available in 20ft or 40ft sizes. 

Open Top
An open top container has four solid walls and a top that can be left open or covered with a tarpaulin or trap door for protection. Open top containers are also offered in sizes of 20 feet or 40 feet. Featuring an open top, it is especially ideal for accommodating very tall cargo or items that need to be loaded from the top.

Which one to choose?
When selecting a container, it's essential to consider the size of the cargo. Since open top containers have restricted width due to their side walls, you need to ensure whether your cargo fits within these dimensions. While open top containers are suitable for overheight cargo, they also have a limited height restriction. If you want a flexible container that can handle different types of cargo, a flat rack might be the best option for you.

However, not all shipping companies deal with these types of containers. Therefore, it's important to consult with a trusted logistics partner first to ensure you get the best option available.
 

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