Special containers:
open top, flat rack, platform · out-of-gauge within the platform
Shipping in open-top and flat-rack containers and on 20' / 40' platforms — for machine tools, oversized crates, coils and pipes, marble slabs, self-propelled and wheeled machinery. The solution for cargo that will not go through a standard container door or is taller than the box but stays within the platform's footprint.
We choose the equipment, calculate lashing and centre of gravity, agree OOG dimensions with the carrier before booking and arrange crane loading. Out-of-gauge cargo needs early booking: such slots are scarce, and the excess dimensions are charged as lost adjacent slots. Ocean freight, port, customs and delivery under single responsibility.
Specification
Specification · Special containers. Standard terms · equipment and OOG parameters are confirmed per cargo
Contract
- Service type
- Special equipment · door-to-door
- Equipment
- open top · flat rack · platform
- Sizes
- 20' · 40'
- Out of gauge
- within the platform
- Settlement currency
- USD · CNY · RUB
Cargo and lashing
- Typical cargo
- machine tools · pipes · machinery · slabs
- Lashing calculation
- plan per cargo
- CoG and loading
- checked
- Loading
- top / side crane
- Survey
- as required by the carrier
Transit time
- Selection & calculation
- 2–4 days
- OOG carrier approval
- 3–7 days
- Ocean leg
- 7–14 days from China, longer with transshipment
- Transit to Moscow
- about 35 days and up
Service flow
- 01
Choosing the equipment
Based on the drawing, weight and loading method we choose the type — open top, flat rack or platform — and size, 20' or 40'. We check payload and permitted floor loading.
1–2 days - 02
Lashing and CoG calculation
We prepare a lashing and centre-of-gravity plan for sea loads and carrier requirements, and have it approved by a surveyor where needed.
1–3 days - 03
OOG approval and booking
We submit the out-of-gauge dimensions, weight and lashing plan to the carrier and get OOG approval and a slot. OOG boxes go on the top tier or on deck, so space is limited — we book early.
3–7 days - 04
Loading and ocean carriage
We arrange top or side crane loading, record the lashing with photos and track the voyage end to end.
7–14 days from China - 05
Terminal and delivery
Port discharge with special rigging, customs clearance and delivery by road or rail. If the cargo on the vehicle exceeds 2.55 m width or 4 m height, we obtain a special road permit.
per route
Problems
The cargo does not fit a standard box: people try to squeeze it into a 40HC and lose time on repacking or dismantling.
We choose an open top, flat rack or platform to the actual dimensions and crane loading method — no repacking.
Shifting and damage in transit: cargo lashed 'by eye' moves when the ship rolls.
We calculate lashing for sea loads, taking into account the container's lashing-point ratings, record it with photos and have it surveyed if needed.
Refusal at loading: OOG dimensions were not approved in advance and the box is rejected on cut-off day.
We agree dimensions, weight and lashing plan with the carrier before booking and plan the shipment with time to spare.
Documents
The core document set for special-equipment shipments and customs release. OOG cargo also needs a drawing with lifting points, a lashing plan and carrier approval; the final list depends on the HS code and delivery term.
Incoterms
- FOB
- free on board
- CFR
- cost and freight
- CIF
- cost, insurance and freight
- DAP
- delivered at place
Documents
- Commercial Invoice
- commercial invoice
- Packing List
- packing list with dimensions, weight and centre of gravity
- Cargo drawing
- outline drawing with lifting points
- Lashing plan
- lashing and centre-of-gravity calculation
- OOG approval
- carrier confirmation of dimensions
- B/L
- bill of lading
FAQ
An open top is for cargo that fits the container's width but must be crane-loaded from above or is slightly taller than standard. A flat rack is needed if the cargo exceeds the width or height, or must be loaded from the side. A platform is for the longest and widest pieces, with no end walls.
Within this service — within the footprint of a flat rack or open top: typically up to ~12 m long with moderate over-height and over-width. Larger and heavier project cargo is handled under a separate out-of-gauge and break-bulk service.
Our lashing specialists prepare the lashing and centre-of-gravity plan for the specific cargo, taking carrier requirements and sea loads into account. A surveyor approves it where required.
Yes. For OOG cargo the carrier checks dimensions, weight and the lashing plan before confirming the booking and assigns the stowage position. So we plan such shipments with time to spare.
Cargo beyond the container's dimensions blocks adjacent slots on the vessel, and the carrier charges for the lost slots. There are also special rigging charges at ports and a road permit if needed. The total depends on how far the cargo exceeds the gauge, so we quote from the drawing.
Yes, if the cargo on the vehicle is wider than 2.55 m or taller than 4 m. Then a special permit for oversized cargo and an approved route are required, which adds time. We factor this in when choosing the equipment.