Frequently Asked Questions – Trans-Rak

  • How much does the R-RAK racking system cost?

    R-RAK is the removable and reusable modular car racking system made from steel that allows a wide variety of vehicles to be efficiently containerized. For a vehicle to be lifted and tilted within a container for optimum space usage by reducing its horizontal footprint, you need 1 x set of R-RAKs.

    One R-RAK set consists of 4 vertical posts and 2 inwheel frames. One R-RAK set can load 2 cars in one 20 foot container (one raised and one on the floor beneath it). 2 x R-RAK sets can load 4 cars in a 40 foot container.

    Pricing is highly dependant on volume and steel price. Contact us here for a quotation.

  • How many racks do I need?

    One R-RAK set consists of 4 vertical posts and 2 wheel frames. One R-RAK set can load 2 cars in one 20 foot container. 2 x R-RAK sets can load 4 cars in a 40 foot container. However, loading four vehicles inside a container only requires two R-RAKs, and loading three medium sized vehicles only requires one R-RAK. This allows for an impressive economy of scale on the journey out.
  • How do I return them?

    For the return trip, 60 R-RAKs can be collapsed down into a single 40ft container for return shipment. That means that for every 30 or even 60 containers carrying cars (depending on load pattern), only one container must be repatriated on the return journey. Our main rivals can only manage a ratio of 10 or 15 to one at present, meaning that R-RAK repatriation costs are three to four times lower – a considerable saving.
  • What do I actually need to transport a car?

    To lift and store a car in a shipping container, the bare minimum is 1 x R-RAK plus whatever webbing straps are required to secure it safely for the duration of its journey.
  • What equipment do I need?

    Below is the equipment list for the R-RAK system that Trans-Rak supply.

    Part and Description Requirements
    R-RAK

    R-RAK is a removable car racking system that allows a wide variety of vehicles to be efficiently containerized.

    1 set required for each lifted vehicle
    M-Ramp (set of 2)

    Raised ramp enabling smooth loading of vehicles onto and off the R-RAK.

    1 set per loading and unloading dock
    Grab Chain (set of 4)

    Enables attachment of chain hoists to the R-RAK.

    1 set per loading and unloading dock
    Wheel Chock

    Four wheel chocks are required for securing a vehicle with wheels that are on the container floor.

    4 per floor vehicle
    Over-Wheel Lashing

    Lashing which enables lifted vehicles to be secured to the R-RAK.

    4 per R-RAK set
    Bottom Car Lashing

    Lashing which enables floor vehicles to be secured against moving inside the container.

    4 per floor vehicle
  • What’s the working life of the R-RAK?

    The R-RAK is fabricated from high strength steel, which has good extrusion and machining performance, and good corrosion resistance properties. This gives R-RAK a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. The steel fabrication process adheres strictly to International Standards ISO9001 and ISO14001.
  • How do I return them?

    One R-RAK set consists of 4 vertical posts and 2 wheel frames. One R-RAK set can load 2 cars in one 20 foot container. 2 x R-RAK sets can load 4 cars in a 40 foot container. However, loading four vehicles inside a container only requires two R-RAKs, and loading three medium sized vehicles only requires one R-RAK. This allows for an impressive economy of scale on the journey out.
  • What container dimensions can Trans-Rak systems handle?

    Trans-Rak systems work with all standard container sizes,. Clients typically ship multiple cars in a single container for cost effective solutions and therefore the most common container sizes used with Trans-Rak equipment are 20 foot, 40 foot, 45 foot, 53 foot and 60 foot.Obviously, some cars take up more space than others, but if you use R-RAK in a 40 foot shipping container you will easily accommodate four to five vehicles. 45 foot shipping containers can carry up to six vehicles once R-RAK is installed.

    Also available is the R-RAK Pallet-Wide. This is an adapted R-RAK which allows for the width of the wheel racks to be adjusted, meaning that it can be used in a range of container widths including Pallet-Wide and ISO standard. The R-RAK Pallet-Wide has been in use throughout the US rail network for some time now and is also available for use in Pallet-Wide containers throughout Europe.

    The R-RAK Pallet-Wide wheel rack and its posts are packed up into a small pod, enabling more than 60 pods to be comfortably stored inside a 40ft Pallet-Wide container for relocation.

  • Do you actually ship cars?

    No. We are equipment suppliers to the vehicle transportation industry.
  • What is the damage incident rate?

    When fitted properly, Trans-Rak R-RAK equipment has a 0% incident rate. Container shipping is faster and more secure than Ro-Ro, with more frequent sailings and reduced damage.
  • What is the procedure and method for vehicle loading with the R-RAK?

    One R-RAK set consists of 4 vertical posts and 2 wheel frames. One R-RAK set can load 2 cars in one 20 foot container. 2 x R-RAK sets can load 4 cars in a 40 foot container.For a raised vehicle, posts are positioned and secured to the container, with wheelframes located between them. The car is then driven onto the wheelframes and then the vehicle is lifted and secured. Then, any lifting equipment is removed. Another vehicle is then positioned below and secured to the floor using R-RAK wheel chocks. This process is repeated for cars #3 and #4. 4 cars are now loaded securely inside a container. Total loading time is 55 minutes. In fact, up to 6 small cars can be loaded inside a 40 foot container.

  • How long does it take to load a vehicle?

    That depends on whether the R-RAKs have been installed, whether the vehicle is loaded on the floor or is raised above a car on the floor. Total loading time for loading and securing 4 cars inside a 40 foot container, including installing the R-RAK posts and wheel racks, is 55 minutes.
  • What additional equipment do I need to load a vehicle?

    In addition to R-RAK, most operators use some or all of this equipment to lift and secure vehicles.M-Ramps are front wheel ramps for lifting cars and are removed once the container is loaded.

    Trans-Rak approved chain hoists are vital for lifting cars. Once the vehicle on the racking system is lifted and secured in place, the chain hoists are removed.

    The Trans-Rak grab chain enables a single chain hoist to lift from two points simultaneously. This ensures that the racks are lifted in a safe and stable manner.

    All of these items are not shipped with the vehicles, so only 1 set of each are required at each loading and unloading location.

  • What type of lashings do I need to secure a vehicle?

    Trans-Rak manufacture and supply a number of lashing types (belts) for securing vehicles. These include

    • Wheel lashings
    • Container Wall Lashings
    • Webbing Straps
    • Bonnet Lashings
  • Can I load vehicles without a driver / wide vehicles?

    Yes. Using our special DL-RAK (Driverless-Loading) is the best method for loading wide vehicles inside a container. The system allows the operators to mount the vehicle on the DL-RAK outside the container and then move it inside and into position. The driver need not be in the vehicle and no door has to be opened or no person has to walk alongside the vehicle.

    The DL-RAK is made from high strength steel and is completely reusable. Over 100 DL-RAKs can be returned in one container, greatly reducing repositioning costs and environmental impact.

  • How can stripped down vehicles be transported safely?

    The SKD-RAK for Knocked-Down vehicles (vehicles with no wheels or means of self-propulsion) enables them to be maneuvered, loaded and secured safely in a container. Dimensions of the SKD-RAK are fabricated according to customer requirements. It can be adapted to fit any vehicle chassis with a range of lashing methods available. The SKD-RAK can be packed away upon arrival for repositioning, 4 stacks of 10 fit into a 40ft container.
  • What is customs clearance?

    It is official authorization for a consignment to be carried across the border of a country.
  • What about logistics management?

    R-RAK makes management simple because, once the vehicles have been loaded into a container, the transport operators of shipping, road rail or air take care of all aspects of lifting from one mode of transport to another. Management made simple for logistics operators.
  • What about maintenance and damage repair for my R-RAK?

    Please contact Trans-Rak to discuss specific requirement should any equipment be damaged during use. The R-RAK has an expected life of 7-10 years.
  • What is the maintenance cost?

    Once you have purchased your R-RAK equipment, maintenance costs are negligible.