Global vehicle OEMs increasingly use containerised transport to move semi-finished units and components efficiently across borders. The growth of SKD (semi knocked down), BIW (body in white) and CKD (completely knocked down) export strategies has elevated the need for specialist racking systems capable of securing, stacking, and protecting car bodies during intercontinental transit.
So, what are the racking requirements for SKD, BIW, and CKD shipments?
While SKD and CKD vehicle shipments usually involve body shells plus multiple assemblies, BIW transport requires a higher tolerance to torsional loads due to the unpainted, welded nature of the product. Body in the White panels, in particular, are susceptible to deformation, making contact pressure, rack geometry and vibration dampening essential design considerations for a racking system. On the other hand, SKD and CKD units balance structural strength with the need for efficient handling and mounting repeatability. A high-performance racking system must, therefore, accommodate variable fastening points, protect Class-A surfaces, and maintain rigidity under both static and dynamic loading conditions.
Fixed vs modular racking designs
There are two main types of rack formats for containerised vehicle movement:
1) Fixed geometry racks: these systems are engineered for one specific body type or variant, offering excellent rigidity and repeatability, but sometimes lacking flexibility as model cycles evolve.
2) Modular or adjustable racks: these systems are capable of accommodating multiple models within the same system through adaptable bracing, rack adjustability, and universal mounting. This category includes our EL-RAK model and is often a more cost-effective choice for transporters exporting multiple SKD/CKD/BIW platforms within the same consignment.
Modular systems are generally preferred for SKD/CKD logistics due to their ability to scale with production shifts. BIW shipments, however, may justify dedicated fixed tooling when tolerance thresholds are tight, and a high-volume mono-model export is expected.
Evaluation criteria: what to consider
When investing in a containerised racking solution for SKD, BIW and CKD vehicle shipments, there are several logistical and engineering factors to consider. For example:
- Load footprint vs container utilisation: maximising the number of units per shipping container while maintaining safe clearance between units.
- Surface protection: minimising or avoiding metal-to-metal contact and vibration transmission.
- Structural stiffness: the ability of the racking to resist bending during crane lifts, stack loading, and ship movements.
- Assembly and loading: the speed of vehicle placement and extraction, access requirements, skill level and labour needs.
- Life-cycle costs and reusability: racking systems with good reusability will improve your cost per vehicle ratios and your ROI.
- ISO container integration: a racking system must be compatible with standard ISO 40ft/HC shipping containers and multimodal interchange points.
Containerised systems in use today
Our Trans-Rak racking platforms are a recognised example of a racking system designed specifically for dense automotive loading, particularly for programmes requiring rapid vehicle interchange and reusability. Their modular design enables high packing efficiency for SKD and CKD shells, while also meeting the stiffness and tolerance consistency required for BIW transport.
Of course, the ‘best’ racking solution for your operation depends on more than product weight or geometry, and there are various systems on the market to accommodate different needs. SKD, BIW and CKD operations each come with distinct structural and logistical demands, requiring a solution that replicates production-like consistency within a transport environment. Modular containerised racks; particularly those engineered for multi-model compatibility, rigidity, and total cost advantage, generally provide the strongest overall performance for transporters looking for efficiency without compromising shell integrity.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about our modular racking systems and how they can support your operation, please contact Trans-Rak today by clicking here.
