Picking our jaws off the floor for a moment, that you may not have heard of a car racking system (!), the fact remains that containerised car transport is still the minority option in finished vehicle Logistics.
While traditional Roll On Roll Off (Ro-Ro) methods have long been the ‘go-to’ transport solution for transport businesses and manufacturers, containerised transport is a growing and viable alternative, largely due to the development of innovative car racking systems. In this article, we explain what car racking systems are, why they work, and why they are such an important tool in modern containerised vehicle transport.
What Is A Car Racking System?
A car racking system is a custom-engineered framework designed to securely hold vehicles in place within a shipping container during transport. These systems may be single-use structures constructed from wood, or reusable, modular systems engineered from durable materials such as high-grade steel. Many of these steel systems are adjustable to accommodate different vehicle sizes and types, and can be used hundreds of times over a lifespan of 10 years or more. This adaptability creates a perfect fit for everything from small city cars to luxury sports cars, ‘space cruisers’, and everything in between. Unlike Ro-Ro transport, which ships vehicles uncovered and requires handling multiple times on route, containerised racking systems keep your cars protected inside their shipping container, reducing the risk of damage, theft, and exposure to the elements.
How Does A Car Racking System Work?
Car racking systems are multilevel platforms that optimise the available space within a shipping container, while keeping the cargo secure and safe. In many models, such as the R-RAK, the racking system is installed within the container first, then the vehicle is driven or loaded into the container. Some other models, such as the EL-RAK, allow external loading before the racking system is forklifted into the container. This is useful for cars that are shipped without wheels or batteries, for instance.
Regardless of whether the system is internally or externally loaded, the purpose of a racking system is to stack the cars efficiently to maximise storage space without compromising safety. Adjustable components and locking mechanisms stabilise the vehicles securely, preventing movement during transit. Our modular systems are designed to be easy to install and dismantle, with a system of adjustable clamps and car brackets to fit different vehicle configurations and sizes.
Why Choose Containerisation Over Ro-Ro?
Roll On Roll Off transport is a convenient and often cost-effective transport modality for short haul consignments, especially when dealing with large volumes. However, the downside is the way that Ro-Ro ferries expose vehicles to potential risks such as damage during handling, theft, bad weather, and even on-board fires. Containerised transport with a car racking system overcomes these challenges by providing a controlled and safe environment that prioritises security and efficiency. As vehicles only need to be handled once at the beginning of the journey (during loading) and once at the end (during unloading) most of the pinch points are removed at which vehicles are most at risk of being accidentally or deliberately damaged. This significantly lowers the risk profile of your operation, increasing your profitability and potentially lowering your insurance premiums, too.
Find Out More
A reusable racking system is a smart investment in operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. To find out more about the benefits to your business, please contact one of the experts at Trans-Rak today by clicking here, or by calling 01926 40 82 82.
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