Chassis

A chassis refers to a wheeled frame, a specialized trailer or attachment designed for the road transportation of ocean containers. Essential for the transition between sea and road transport, a chassis is necessary for the efficient movement of containers and often entails a separate chassis fee.

Chassis are adaptable to different container sizes, with dedicated options available for both 20ft and 40ft containers. For shipments exceeding standard weight limits, tri-axle chassis are utilized, providing additional support and compliance for overweight Full Container Load (FCL) shipments.

The chassis consists of a strong, durable frame with wheels, designed to securely hold and transport containers of varying sizes and types. It allows containers to be easily loaded and unloaded from ships at ports, transported by trucks to distribution centers or rail yards, and further carried by trains for long-distance transportation.

Key features of chassis include:

• Twist Locks: Mechanisms on the chassis that lock into the corners of containers, securing them in place during transportation.
• Tires and Suspension: Chassis are equipped with tires and suspension systems to ensure smooth and stable movement on roads and uneven surfaces.
• Kingpin: The coupling mechanism on the front of the chassis that connects to the corresponding locking mechanism on the rear of a truck tractor.

Chassis are often leased or owned by transportation companies, and their efficient utilization is critical for optimizing the overall logistics and transportation process. They contribute to the flexibility and versatility of containerized cargo transportation, enabling a seamless transition between different modes of transport in the global supply chain.