Container Operations

Flat-Rack & Open-Top Containers

Secure ocean bookings using specialized Open-Top and Flat-Rack container equipment for oversized cargo.

Specialized Container Equipment for OOG Cargo

Standard cargo vessels carry containers stacked in tight cell guides. When cargo exceeds standard container bounds, shippers must use Flat-Rack or Open-Top units.

At Scan2Freight, we coordinate 20ft and 40ft Open-Tops (for over-height cargo) and Flat-Racks (for over-width/over-height cargo) to fit the specific footprint of your shipment.

OOG Container Fleet Configurations

Match your oversized load requirements to our specialized container fleet:

Open-Top Containers (20ft / 40ft): Feature removable steel top headers and canvas tarpaulin covers, allowing top-loading of heavy cargo using overhead cranes.
Flat-Rack Containers (20ft / 40ft): Feature collapsible end walls and no side panels, allowing side-loading of wide machinery, tractors, or yachts.

Vessel Slot Bookings & Lost Slot Charges

Shipping OOG cargo on container vessels requires booking extra vessel space:

Lost Slots: Because OOG cargo protrudes outward or upward, it blocks adjacent stack slots on the vessel. Ocean carriers levy "lost slot charges" to offset lost freight revenue.
Securing Lashings: Using heavy chains, turnbuckles, and wood blocking to secure cargo to flat-rack anchor rings.

Container FAQ

What is a lost slot charge?

A lost slot charge is a fee billed by shipping lines for the empty container spaces that cannot be used on a vessel because an adjacent OOG container is too wide or too tall.

What is the difference between collapsible and fixed-end flat racks?

Collapsible-end flat racks have end walls that can fold down flat, allowing transport of cargo that exceeds the container length, whereas fixed-end units have rigid walls.

Need OOG Container Allocation?

Book open-top or flat-rack space and calculate lost slot charges for your cargo.

Get Container Rates