Definition
A type of shipping container with a flat base and collapsible or fixed end walls but no side walls or roof, used for transporting oversized or heavy cargo. Flat racks are commonly used in international shipping for items that do not fit in standard containers. Pallets loaded onto flat racks must be secured with lashing and dunnage, and the pallets themselves must be strong enough to withstand the stresses of open ocean transport.
Related Terms
ISO Container
A standardized intermodal shipping container built to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specifications, used for transporting goods by ship, rail, and truck. The most common sizes are 20-foot and 40-foot containers. Pallet dimensions and loading patterns must be optimized for ISO container internal widths to maximize space utilization. Efficient pallet-to-container fit is a major factor in international shipping cost optimization.
Shipping Container
A large standardized metal box used for intermodal freight transport by ship, rail, and truck. Standard shipping containers (20-foot and 40-foot) are the backbone of global trade, and pallet dimensions must be optimized for efficient container loading. The internal width of a standard container (about 7 feet 8 inches) is a key constraint for pallet selection. Proper pallet sizing and loading patterns can mean the difference between fitting two or three pallets across the container width.
Dunnage
Loose materials or custom-cut pieces of wood, foam, or other materials placed around and between cargo to prevent damage during storage and transport. In the pallet industry, dunnage refers specifically to wood pieces used to brace, cushion, or separate products on a pallet or inside a shipping container. Like pallets, solid wood dunnage used in international shipping must comply with ISPM-15 requirements.
Strap
A band of steel, polyester, or polypropylene used to secure products to a pallet or to bind palletized loads for stability during shipping. Strapping is applied with manual or automated tensioning tools and sealed with metal clips or heat welding. Steel straps provide the highest tension for heavy loads, while polyester and polypropylene are lighter and safer to handle. Proper strapping placement and tension are critical for maintaining unit load integrity.
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