ISO Platform Shipping Containers

Container Projects supplies specialised equipment to the construction, engineering, and maritime sectors. If your project requires heavy-duty load floors, we offer container sales and flexible container hire options. You can request a professional container quote to confirm current lead times and stock availability at our UK depots. Our logistics team ensures your equipment arrives on site ready for immediate use.

ISO platform containers are reinforced steel bases without side walls or end frames. They are designed for concentrated loads that exceed the capacity of standard units. Most units are available as one-trip stock. A one-trip unit is a new container that has made a single journey from the manufacturer to the UK. Every platform intended for export features a CSC plate. The CSC plate is a safety approval plate required for international shipping to certify structural safety.

Choose the right container size and type

Platforms are essential for cargo that is over-width, over-height, or extremely heavy. They offer a flush floor for easy loading of machinery and industrial components.

20ft Platform Containers

The 20ft model provides a compact, high-strength base for heavy machinery. While it matches the footprint of a 20ft general-purpose container, the platform design allows for cargo to overhang the sides if necessary. The reinforced floor is built to handle high point loads from heavy equipment.

40ft Platform Containers

For longer cargo such as pipes, timber, or structural steel, the 40ft platform is the industry standard. It shares dimensions with the 40ft general purpose unit but eliminates all vertical obstructions. These units are often used in "bed-on-vessel" configurations for maritime transport of oversized items.

Related Specialised Units

If your cargo requires end-wall support for securing loads, Container Projects also stocks flat rack containers. For tall cargo that still requires enclosed sides, we provide open-top units. You can view all options on our container types page.

Hire or buy

Container Projects facilitates both long-term ownership and short-term rental. Buying a platform is suitable for companies with permanent heavy-haulage requirements or static on-site storage for heavy machinery. Hire is a cost-effective solution for one-off project movements or seasonal contracts where equipment is only needed temporarily. We provide full technical support regardless of the acquisition route.

Condition grades and what they mean

We supply units in various grades to meet specific operational needs. For international trade, we recommend units that meet the IICL standard. IICL refers to a high standard of container repair and condition set by the Institute of International Container Lessors. While platforms are open, we maintain our enclosed stock to wind and watertight standards. A wind- and watertight unit is a condition grade that ensures the unit is sealed against weather and light. We provide the tare and payload for every platform to ensure safe loading. The tare is the weight of the empty container. The payload is the maximum weight of cargo the container can carry.

Delivery access, siting, and placement

Container Projects uses specialised vehicles to deliver platform units. Site preparation is vital for safe offloading:

• Ground Conditions: The surface must be level and capable of supporting extreme weights, especially when the platform is loaded.
• Vehicle Clearance: Delivery trucks require a minimum height of 15ft and a width of 10ft.
• Manoeuvring Space: A 40ft vehicle requires approximately 100ft of straight approach to safely position the unit.
• Placement: Use timber or concrete pads under the corner castings to ensure the unit remains level and stable.

Security, condensation, and aftercare

As platforms are open units, security is managed through heavy-duty lashing points and chains. We recommend regular inspection of these points to ensure load integrity. Aftercare services from Container Projects include advice on corrosion protection for the steel floor and maintenance of the corner castings to ensure continued stacking compatibility.

Export use and compliance

Exporting heavy cargo requires strict adherence to structural standards. All platforms supplied by Container Projects for international transit carry a valid CSC plate. These units are tested for longitudinal and transverse stresses to ensure safety during sea voyages. We provide all necessary certifications for your shipping line and port authorities.

How Container Projects handles supply and delivery

1. Requirement Analysis: We assess your cargo weight and dimensions to select the appropriate container.
2. Stock Selection: We identify a suitable 20ft or 40ft platform from our nearest UK depot.
3. Site Verification: We confirm delivery access and site ground conditions with your team.
4. Haulage: Our transport partners deliver the unit using hiab or skeletal trailers.
5. Final Inspection: The unit is placed and checked for level before the driver departs.