Abstract: A freight container (1) having a base (2) and a roof (5) wherein fittings (8, 9) for lifting the container and/or stacking a second container on the roof are provided with a support strut (24) moveably mounted on the container such that the support strut can be moved from a load-bearing position in which the support strut transfers a load between the fittings and the base during lifting and stacking and a loading position in which the support strut does not substantially impede loading and unloading of the freight container from a side of the container. The support strut is carried on one side of a gate structure (20) hinged to a corner post (3, 4) of the container by a hinge at the opposite side.

Abstract: The base frame structure for containers or load carrying platforms has an outer rectangular frame structure with longitudinal side beams (13) and transverse beams extending between the side beams. Between the longitudinal side beams and transverse beams is mounted a dished sheet metal underpan, preferably welded to the side beams (13) and transverse beams. Sheet flooring material (4) such as sheet plywood or wooden planks are supported on the underpan and preferably fixed one to the other by adhesive bonding. A space (5) defined between the underpan and flooring material is filled with a rigid load distributing filling material (6) such as polyurethane foam having a high density, 60 Kg/m.sup.3 for example. The underpan is curved in at least two directions to distribute load forces applied to the flooring. The underpan is of a reduced thickness resulting in a lighter base frame structure.