Platform container is one of the different types of shipping containers that are specifically made to cater to the shipping and storage needs for certain kind of cargoes that cannot fit inside a close container. Several container types have been designed till now to facilitate the shipment of diverse type of cargoes. Platform container is one among them- very useful and unique.

Shipping containers are a fundamental part of human life. They have been solving the storage and transport problems of the shippers since the 1950s. Malcolm McLean has come up with shipping units to sort out the problems that shippers used to undergo before the invention. Since then, the boxes have seen many modifications to serve humanity in a better way.

The boxes are made keeping in mind that they provide efficient transport and storage solutions to the cargoes. Nowadays they are being used for furnishing uses as well, such as home remodeling, personal spaces, swimming pools, public toilets, emergency hospitals, and whatnot. They can serve in whatever way you can modify them.

The different types of shipping boxes have been listed downwards that fulfill various container needs of the shippers.

1. Dry Van
2. Pallet Wide
3. Double Door
4. Side Door
5. Open Top
6. Hard Roof Open Top
7. Flat Rack
8. Platform
9. Insulated
10. Reefer
11. Bulkers
12. Tanks

Platform container is one such modified container that is custom made to solve out-of-the-gauge problems.

Let’s look in detail at Platform containers.

Platform containers are specifically made to cater to the cargo need that protrudes out of the box. They are suitable for merchandise that cannot fit in standard ISO containers.

Their name clarifies the meaning of the boxes. They look like platform or plane boxes that have a floor but no roof, front, or sidewall. The flat floor gives the facility of loading large pipes, heavy machinery, or any odd-sized freight. They provide a facility of a high loading limit that allows the heavier and larger objects to be loaded with ease.

They can be utilized to hold a very large cargo that doesn’t fit in one standard container.

You must be taken aback that how even is it possible!

Yes, it is possible due to their amazing structure and design. The boxes when laid next to each other will give a bigger platform to put a huge machine or any such cargo that cannot fit in one.

Design and Structure

Their design and structure are different from standard ISO containers. The other boxes have sides and roofs that give them a closed structure but when talking about platform ones, the scenario is changed. The boxes don’t have any side or front wall and the roof is also not installed. This feature gives the feasibility of putting extra heavy and protruding cargo that does not fit in standard shipping containers. They are constructed from 14-gauge corrugated, and heavy-duty steel, and the floor is made of marine plywood.

They are installed with lashing bars that are put on the outside of the bottom side rail to secure the cargo from falling from the shipping unit.

What are different dimensions of platform containers?

This storage unit comes in different sizes of 20ft, and 40ft to solve the shipper’s needs.

The high cube version is not present for them as they don’t have any walls or sides and the high cube is the added feature of the shipping units that increase the height and volume of the boxes.

So, here is the approximate data of dimensions given below.

20ft Platform

External dimension 19’ x 8’ x 1’2
Tare weight 5560 pounds
Max Payload Capacity 61640pounds
Max gross weight 67200 pounds

40ft Platform

External dimension 40’ x 8’6 x 2’1
Tare weight 12570 pounds
Payload Capacity 86640 pounds
Max gross weight 99210 pounds

What is the difference between Flat Rack and Platform Containers?

They are mostly confused with each other. People always assume that both are the same. Whereas they are different from one another.

Flat rack containers are fitted with front walls that can be fixed or folded. The flush folding design of the flat racks allows them to behave as a platform box.

Platform ones don’t have any such wall. They are bereft of any such walls or roofs that give them the added benefit of holding items that are of insane length.

What are the uses of Platform Containers?

• They are used to ship very heavy or XXL machines that cannot fit in normal boxes.
• For shipping airplane wares, this shipping unit is perfectly appropriate.
• The heavy and large pipes, lumber, or hardware etc. can be easily transported through them.
• They provide the feature of being stackable as the boxes can be stacked when not in use and this saves the cost of empty positioning of boxes.

Things to keep in mind before buying Platform Containers

• Before buying the boxes, you can ask for photos from the supplier and ask for details of the dimensions, and condition of the box. Though it would be better if you go and see the box and check all the details or you can opt for some trusted container suppliers.
• You have to check the outside rails, floorings, and lashings bars that are provided in the boxes to failsafe the purchase. In the case of getting used containers, you might see some signs of usage, that is absolutely normal, but make sure it is free from any mechanical issue.

So, if you own an XXL machinery and you don’t know how to store or transport it, don’t worry as our platform containers are ideal for such type of overextended cargo.

So now you know, platform containers offer the best storage and transportation solution for the cargo that extends the normal containers. LOTUS Containers, one of the leading and global brands provides you the most efficient shipping unit solutions. Whether you want to buy shipping containers in Cincinnati, Denver, Colorado, or anywhere in the world, whether you want to buy new containers or rent used containers, we have a wide variety of shipping units to cater to all your shipping container needs worldwide.

Load us to be stress-free.