Flat rack stuffing of seven seaworthy crates from Antwerp to the United Arab Emirates

At the end of September 2026 we stuffed seven seaworthy crates in Antwerp for export to the United Arab Emirates. The heaviest crate measured 6.50 x 3.95 x 3.68 m and weighed 34,174 kg. It went on a 40' flat rack. The six smaller crates, from 1.28 x 0.99 x 1.16 m to 2.48 x 1.49 x 1.18 m and 3,117 kg in total, went into a 40' open top.

The challenge

A crate 3.95 m wide does not fit in any closed container. Even on a flat rack it sticks out a long way: the flat rack itself is 2.44 m wide, so the crate is 1.51 m wider. And 34 tonnes on one flat rack needs a solid base so the weight is spread evenly over the floor.

The crates also arrived separately. The six smaller ones came in on 30 September, the big one only on 2 October. In the open top, the cargo stood 36 cm above the container.

Our approach

The big crate arrived on 2 October on a semi-low loader, secured with chains. We first laid timber beams on the flat rack as a base. The big crate went on top and was lashed with white straps to the flat rack's lashing points. The six smaller crates went into the open top and were secured inside with timber bracing.

After stuffing, the client received a stuffing report and photos of both containers.

The result

On 5 October both containers left by barge for the terminal, ready to ship to the United Arab Emirates.