Cutting a flatbed into a 40HQ can halve the freight per unit — but only for some models.
A complete 40ft flatbed takes a 40FR or break-bulk slot. Cut down as CKD, two units fit in one 40HQ. On a route where the container rate is USD 3,000, that is USD 1,500 per unit instead of USD 4,500.
The trade-off is assembly: CKD units need welding, wiring and brake bleeding at destination. If you have a workshop, CKD wins. If you do not, break-bulk is cheaper than paying someone else to assemble.
Lowbeds and tankers are rarely worth cutting — the section loss and the re-alignment cost more than the freight saved.