How much do you know about platform containers?

In the complex world of global logistics, standard containers are the backbone. But what happens when your cargo doesn't fit into conventional shipping methods? When you need to transport extra-wide, extra-high, or extra-heavy cargo that standard containers can't accommodate, the solution is simple: the platform container. As a leading global manufacturer, Container Family understands the pressing need for robust and reliable transportation solutions for non-standard cargo. Let's take a closer look at platform containers.

What is a platform container?

A platform container is the most basic form of intermodal freight transport. It consists of an extremely strong reinforced floor structure without any side walls, end walls, or roof. This open design is its greatest advantage, providing unparalleled ease in loading and unloading oversized items.

These containers are not designed to transport standard palletized or boxed cargo. Instead, they are the preferred choice for specialized, large, and heavy cargo that other container types can't handle. Like a versatile heavy tackle, they can be lifted, stacked, and transported by ship, train, and truck just like any standard container. The primary function of platform containers is to provide a shipping solution for a variety of "oversized" cargo (oversized, overheight, overlong, or overweight). They are specifically designed to handle oversized, overheight, and overlong cargo while maintaining standard 20-foot and 40-foot lengths for seamless integration into existing supply chains.

Common Cargo Transported

Oversized heavy machinery (e.g., excavators, turbines)

Oil and gas hardware (e.g., pipes, valves, drilling equipment)

Large construction materials (e.g., lumber, steel beams)

Transport equipment (e.g., buses, ships, industrial vehicles)

Wind turbine blades and components

Prefabricated building components

For oversized cargo, multiple platform containers can be strapped together to form a larger platform, offering a wide range of possibilities for ultra-heavy projects.

What's the difference between platform containers and flatbed containers?

Platform containers do not have any end walls. They are completely flat from end to end. This is the key difference.

Flatbed containers have rigid, fixed, or collapsible end walls (bulkheads). These panels help secure cargo that might slip off the ends and provide additional structural rigidity.

While flatbed racks with foldable end walls can be used similarly to platform containers when the panels are folded, they are not identical. A true platform container is a more specialized cargo transport vehicle, and any end walls can be a hindrance, especially for cargo whose length significantly exceeds the floor area.

Platform Container Key Features

High-Strength Steel Frame: Constructed of sturdy steel, it withstands the heaviest loads and harsh transport conditions.

Laminate Flooring: The deck is constructed of thick, treated hardwood (typically Apitone or similar), renowned for its exceptional strength and durability.

Forklift Slots: Integrated into the design, it facilitates ground-level maneuvering and positioning using a forklift.

Gooseneck Channel: Allows for attachment to a gooseneck trailer chassis for convenient road transport.

Lashing Points and Rings: Multiple high-strength lashing points strategically placed along the frame allow cargo to be securely secured using chains, wire, and straps. ISO Certified: Manufactured to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifications, ensuring global acceptance and interoperability.

Platform Container Specifications Table