Perfect for Oversized Cargo
Designed to handle heavy, awkward, or long items.
Overview
When you need to move oversized or heavy cargo, a standard container won’t do the job. Our Bolster Shipping Containers are designed with an open-top and open-sided frame, making them ideal for transporting machinery, vehicles, construction equipment, and other awkward or oversized loads.
Available in 20ft and 40ft sizes, Bolster Containers are built tough from marine-grade Corten steel, ensuring maximum strength and durability. Whether you need a new or used unit, SCS Australia supplies Bolster Containers nationwide.
Unlike standard containers, bolster flat racks are designed without fixed walls or a roof, giving you maximum flexibility when transporting or storing machinery, vehicles, steel, timber, and other bulky equipment. With Australia-wide delivery, we ensure you get the right container solution, exactly when and where you need it.
Why SCS Australia
Why Choose Bolster Containers from SCSAU?
Heavy-Duty Construction
Built from Corten steel for maximum load strength.
20ft & 40ft Sizes
Available in standard container lengths for easy freight handling.
Easy Loading
Open sides and open top make crane or forklift loading simple.
New & Used Options
Choose the right unit to suit your budget and project.
The basics
What is a Bolster Container?
A bolster container, sometimes referred to as a flat rack container, is a shipping container built specifically for oversized, irregular, or heavy loads. Unlike standard general-purpose containers that are enclosed on all sides, a bolster container has a heavy-duty steel base with optional fixed or collapsible end walls. This design allows cargo to be loaded from the top, sides, or ends, making it ideal for equipment and materials that cannot fit inside traditional units.
Bolster containers were originally developed to make international trade more efficient. Large industrial parts, machinery, and building materials often exceeded the width or height of enclosed containers, creating major challenges for shipping companies. By removing the walls and reinforcing the base, bolster containers became the perfect solution for non-standard cargo.
Today, they are widely used across industries that rely on oversized equipment or bulk materials. From vehicles and boats to steel pipes, timber, and mining rigs, bolster containers offer the flexibility that traditional shipping units cannot.
Bolster Shipping Containers
Key Advantages of Bolster Containers
Cost Efficiency
By using a container designed for oversized loads, companies avoid paying for specialised oversized freight services. Bolster containers fit into standard shipping and transport systems, which keeps costs manageable.
Global Compatibility
Built to ISO standards, bolster containers can be transported internationally by sea, road, or rail. This makes them a practical choice for companies engaged in cross-border trade.
Strength & Durability
Bolster containers are built to withstand extreme weight and pressure. Their steel frames are engineered to carry tonnes of equipment without bending or warping. For businesses dealing with multi-tonne machinery, this durability is essential.
Flexible Transport
With no walls or roof, cargo can be craned, forklifted, or rolled onto the bolster base from multiple angles. This flexibility reduces loading time and avoids the need for dismantling oversized equipment.
Stackable Storage
When empty, bolster containers can be stacked on top of one another, making them highly space-efficient. Businesses that purchase multiple containers can easily store them in depots or yards without losing valuable ground space.
Bolster Shipping Containers
Common Uses of Bolster Containers
Transporting Heavy Machinery
Ideal for excavators, tractors, and industrial equipment that can’t fit in standard shipping containers. Their reinforced flooring ensures safe movement of multi-tonne loads.
Shipping Oversized Materials
Perfect for steel beams, timber, pipes, and prefabricated panels that exceed the dimensions of enclosed units. Easy side and top loading saves time on site.
Moving Vehicles and Boats
Widely used for cars, trucks, boats, and even yachts that need secure long-distance transportation across Australia or overseas.
Supporting Modular Construction
Frequently used in construction and mining projects for moving modular buildings, site offices, or portable structures with efficiency.
Sizes and specs
Standard Sizes & Specifications
We supply 20ft and 40ft bolster containers built to international shipping standards, ensuring compatibility with all major transport modes.
| Specification | 20ft Bolster Container | 40ft Bolster Container |
|---|---|---|
| Max Gross Weight | 21,440 kg | 25,000 kg |
| Tare Weight | 2,560 kg | 5,480 kg |
| External Dimensions (LxWxH) | 6.06m x 2.44m x 2.59m | 12.19m x 2.44m x 2.59m |
| Internal Dimensions (LxWxH) | 5.80m x 2.29m x 2.34m | 12.00m x 2.29m x 2.34m |
Custom sizes and modifications are available upon request.
Customisation
Customisation Options
Every project is different, which is why we offer container modifications to match your needs. Our engineers can adapt bolster containers for:
Reinforced Flooring
Extra strength to support industrial machinery.
Removable End Walls
Flexible loading/unloading for long or awkward cargo.
Additional Tie-Down Points
Secure equipment more effectively during transport.
Protective Coatings
Rust-proof finishes for marine or corrosive environments.
Branding & Paintwork
Custom colours and logos to align with your company identity.
These modifications ensure that your bolster container isn’t just strong, but also perfectly suited to your project requirements.
Applications
Industries That Benefit from Bolster Containers
At SCSAU, we proudly serve multiple industries across Australia with bolster shipping containers designed for tough conditions. Each sector benefits in unique ways:
Construction & Industrial
Construction projects rely heavily on machinery, scaffolding, pre-fabricated panels, and bulk materials. Bolster containers allow for safe transport of oversized items such as steel beams, concrete slabs, or modular building sections. On-site, they double as secure storage platforms for heavy-duty tools and equipment.
Mining & Energy
Mining operations require equipment that often weighs several tonnes and cannot be dismantled for shipping. Bolster containers provide the strength to transport excavators, drilling rigs, conveyors, and large generators. Their open design makes loading and unloading easier in remote or rugged locations.
Agriculture
Farmers and agribusinesses often move tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and other large-scale machinery. With bolster containers, equipment can be loaded directly onto the reinforced steel base without height restrictions. They are particularly useful during seasonal harvests when machinery needs to be relocated quickly.
Transport & Logistics
Because bolster containers are built to ISO standards, they are compatible with trucks, rail, and shipping vessels. This means cargo can move seamlessly between different modes of transport, reducing delays and costs. Logistics companies use bolster containers for bulk industrial cargo, oversized freight, and international trade.
Hospitality & Events
For large-scale events, festivals, or temporary structures, bolster containers can be used to transport stages, tents, kitchens, and modular units. Their stackability also makes them easy to store when not in use.
Residential & Lifestyle
Outside of industrial applications, bolster containers are also used by individuals moving boats, caravans, cars, or other oversized personal items. They provide an affordable and secure way to move valuable assets across long distances.
At SCSAU, we pride ourselves on providing fast and reliable delivery across the country. With depots in major cities and regional hubs, we can deliver bolster containers to construction sites, industrial yards, ports, and farms.
Our delivery process is carefully planned to minimise disruption:
- Container Preparation – Each unit is inspected and prepared before dispatch.
- Transport Logistics – Containers are loaded onto HIAB cranes, tilt trays, or semi-trailers depending on site access.
- On-Site Placement – Our team ensures your container is positioned exactly where you need it.
- After-Sales Support – We provide advice on storage, stacking, and maintenance for long-term use.
This end-to-end approach ensures your container is delivered safely and ready for immediate use.
Why SCS Australia
Why SCSAU is Australia’s Trusted Choice
With over two decades of experience in shipping containers, SCSAU is the trusted partner for Australian businesses and individuals who need reliable container solutions.
What sets us apart:
- Proven Expertise – We work closely with industries that demand precision and reliability.
- Nationwide Reach – Depots across Australia allow us to deliver quickly to urban and remote locations.
- Competitive Pricing – We offer flexible payment plans and cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
- Customisation Specialists – From simple adjustments to complex modifications, we provide tailor-made solutions.
- Dedicated Support – Our friendly team is always available to answer questions and guide you through the process.
When you choose SCSAU, you’re choosing a company that goes beyond just selling containers – we deliver complete container solutions.
Get a Free Quote Today
Looking for a Bolster Container in Australia? Whether you need one container or multiple units, SCSAU provides high-quality solutions at competitive prices.
📞 Call us on 1300 727 269or click here to get your free quote.