Out of gauge cargo (OOG) in shipping refers to cargo which cannot fit into a standard shipping container, because it is too wide, tall or long. OOG shipping (sometimes known as project cargo) needs planning and careful attention to detail.

Mercator was recently asked to handle the import customs clearance and delivery of two pieces of machinery parts.  Both drums were out of gauge cargo and were shipped from the USA to the UK using two 20’ flat rack containers.

Our agent in the USA handled the sea freight from the USA to the UK, along with loading and transporting the flat racks to the port in New York.  Once the shipment arrived in Southampton, Mercator’s import team took the reigns, settling the shipping line’s landing charges and arranging delivery to Cornwall.  An abnormal load convoy was required due to the width of the cargo, Mercator handled this as well.

If you have an out of gauge shipment for import into the UK or export from the UK, then get in touch with our team to obtain a quote. We handle oversized shipments utilising flat racks and open top containers, and can help with loading or unloading at site. You can contact our team by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or completing the form below and someone will be in touch.

Request a Quote for Out of Gauge Shipping

What is a flat rack container?

A flat rack (FR) container is a piece of special shipping equipment that does not have a top or long sides.  The base is constructed to hold heavier loads than a standard shipping container.  There are only end walls which can be either static or collapsible.

Why use a flat rack container?

Flat rack containers are used in shipping when freight needs to be loaded from the top or the side, generally for bulky or heavy loads.  Goods will usually be craned into place on the FR, strapped and secured ready for shipping.  Loads for shipping a flat rack container can either be covered with a secure tarpaulin or shrink wrapped. 

FRs are also used for out of gauge freight.  Cargo can overhang the long sides of the container during transportation.

Flat Rack Container Dimensions

What examples of cargo do you use a flat rack for?

FRs can be used for any cargo that is considered out of gauge, or unable to load into a standard shipping container due to bulky nature or weight.  FRs are commonly used for large pieces of machinery, pipes, vehicles, timber to name a few.

FRs come in three sizes: 20’, 40’ and 40’ high cube.

How do I arrange the shipping of a flat rack container?

To begin the process of shipping a flat rack, first appoint a freight forwarder.  An experienced freight forwarder will be able to arrange the delivery of a FR to your premises for loading, advise any requirements for how to load and lash your freight, transport the loaded goods to the sea freight port for export, book space on a vessel, and even clear and deliver your shipment once it arrives at destination.

Mercator is a UK based freight forwarder, our export department handle regular loads of out of gauge and heavy freight using FRs.  Below are images of an export George handled recently for shipping to the USA using a 40ft FR.  The cargo was loaded on site at the exporter’s premises using an on-site crane, lashed and covered with a tarpaulin for shipping to the USA.

Machinery loaded on a Flat Rack Container for shipping to USA.
Machinery Covered in Tarpaulin on a FR ready for shipping.

If you require services for shipping using a flat rack container, then get in touch with our export team.  We regularly handle UK manufactured machinery and components for export across the globe.  Our team will be glad to provide you with a quote for your flat rack shipping requirements.  You can call our team on (+44) 02392 756 575, email sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk, or complete the form below.

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Crane on Flat Rack Shipping ContainerMercator was instructed to arrange the sea freight shipping of three mobile cranes from Southampton in the UK to Taiwan.  The cargo was classed as oversized (also sometimes referred to as out of gauge cargo).  Due to the dimensions, non-standard shipping containers were used.  If oversized cargo shipping is not planned thoroughly then it can end up being very expensive.  The three cranes were loaded onto two flat rack shipping containers and one open top container.

Two of the cranes fitted into the parameters of the flat rack shipping containers after some adjusting – including removing the wing mirrors.  This small adjustment took a few minutes but saved thousands in shipping costs.  If the crane were overhanging the sides of the shipping container (even if it was just a wing mirror) then the shipper would be liable to pay for all the spaces around the container on the ship which would be unusable.  The other crane was driven into the open top container, it was such a tight squeeze that the driver had to climb out of the window as the door wouldn’t open.

We managed to get the cargo into three shipping spaces on the vessel, but if not done thoroughly then it could have been up to 6 or 7 spaces to pay for for each crane!  Therefore, it’s really important if you are going to ship something that is oversized to ensure that you choose a reputable freight forwarder who will do everything that they can in order to keep the cargo within the gauge of the container.  A good freight forwarder is worth their weight in gold.Open Top Container Shipping

To ensure that everything would go smoothly, our MD (Paul) took a trip to Southampton Port on the morning of the crane loading and strapping to ensure he was satisfied with the shipping plans.  The lashing on the cargo is important to ensure that there is no movement (and therefore avoiding damage) during the shipping process.  Each mobile crane weighed in at about 25 tonnes, therefore the lashing put in place would have been for up to 3 times the cargo weight.

Later that day, the cranes were transported to the dock side, loaded onto the shipping vessel and set sail for Taiwan.

If you have an unusual load that you need to ship internationally, then get in contact with Mercator’s shipping team.  We have over 20 years’ of experience in international freight forwarding, and thanks to our founding membership of MarcoPoloLine (a worldwide network of independent, vetted freight agents in over 90 countries) we have contacts across the globe to ensure the safe onward transit of your shipping consignment.