There are several types of container chassis, depending on the shipping requirements, and they are designed to accommodate different weight loads, container sizes and types, and even specialized containers. This one piece of equipment brings together the weights of several industries. It is a support system for the entire supply chain network. Read on to know everything about this super device …
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A container chassis is a trailer or wheeled carrier specially designed for transporting containers from trucks between terminals, warehouses and ports. By design, this device is a steel frame with tire and axle system, suspension, brakes and lighting mechanism. The new era chassis also has other features such as ABS, weight sensors, LED lights and GPS tracking system. The chassis is an important link for moving and transporting containers.
The standard chassis is designed to transport standard ISO containers (20 feet and 40 feet) with two axles. In general, a 3-axis chassis is required to carry a 20-foot container weighing over 36,000 pounds or a 40-foot container weighing over 44,000 pounds.
Table of Contents
Why you need a container chassis ?
- Smooth and safe delivery
The container is firmly attached to the chassis, preventing unwanted container movement and ensuring safer transportation.
- Durable and easy transportation
Although the container chassis is made of lightweight material, it is durable enough to easily load and transport heavy cargo.
- Meet various shipping requirements
There are different types of container chassis depending on your specific needs. Therefore, companies can choose from a wide range of options based on their shipping needs and preferences.
- Providing fast, cost-effective and timely delivery
The container chassis is built from rugged structural materials and can load multiple containers at once, speeding up the process. Timely delivery avoids additional charges and makes the entire process cost-effective.
- Improving customer satisfaction
Containers are shipped quickly and safely, improving reliability and improving the overall customer experience.
Various types of container chassis
Several types of container chassis are available on the market, depending on the size of the container and shipping requirements.
Container chassis type by length :
1.20ft container chassis
2.40ft to 45ft container chassis
3.48ft-53ft domestic container chassis
Container chassis type by number of axles :
2-axle chassis (common)
3-axle chassis (common)
4-axle chassis
5 axle chassis
Container chassis type by characteristic / design :
- Gooseneck chassis
- Expandable chassis
- Combo chassis
- Canadian chassis
- Rugged chassis
- Lightweight chassis
- Rear B train chassis
- Straight frame chassis
- Flatbed container trailer
How to choose the right container chassis?
Depending on your requirements, companies can choose the best container chassis for their day-to-day operations. You can consider the following factors:
● Usage and requirements (industry specific)
If you only need to transport the container, a chassis modeled specifically for the container is best. However, if you also need to move other types of cargo, it is best to use a flatbed container trailer. This serves two purposes. If you need to load and unload cargo at a specific location, a chassis trailer with tilting capabilities is the best choice.
● Axle number / weight threshold
You can choose the number of axles in the chassis, depending on the weight of the cargo or container. The greater the number of axles, the greater the load capacity. For everyday use, 2-axis or 3-axis chassis are common.
● Costs incurred
Dedicated chassis are more expensive than regular chassis. Consider the container specifications and requirements before purchasing a dedicated chassis or chassis trailer.
Container chassis: buy or rent?
Chassis can be rented or purchased based on your requirements. This also increases the final shipping cost.
When purchasing a container chassis, the cost starts at $ 5,000 and can go up to $ 30,000. This depends on the specification. However, if you need to rent a chassis, you will have to pay an additional fee (chassis usage fee).
Chassis usage fee
This is one of several additional charges incurred during the movement of the cargo. Until 2009, carriers owned and provided chassis along with containers. However, after MAERSK withdrew from the chassis business, other companies followed the league. This required truck companies to purchase or rent their own chassis. And there was an additional charge.
Chassis usage is one of several additional charges included in the total fare. Rental of container chassis typically ranges from $ 15 to $ 30 per day. But it’s not exclusive. Chassis charges are linked to many other charges such as additional congestion charges, terminal processing charges, and integration charges. However, the main chassis-dependent charges are detention and detention charges.
Most ports are crowded with chassis, making it difficult to obtain a chassis. This will result in longer waiting times, higher detention and detention charges, and higher overhead costs.
Market forecast
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has hit the trade and shipping industries at the global level. Although overall market performance declined, chassis pulleyers (various companies that split their rates and use the same chassis) continued to pay a portion of their rent. Therefore, the equipment was available when the market opened.
A recovery is seen due to the diversification of supply chains that previously relied on China.
In the future, the e-commerce industry around the world is expected to grow rapidly. As a result, this will boost the growth rate of the logistics and supply chain industry and increase shipments. The chassis, which is a prerequisite for shipping containers, is also expected to grow significantly.
“As the amount (intermodal) increases, additional chassis capacity is needed … As the intermodal capacity increases, the chassis supply plays an important role in ensuring supply chain liquidity.” – CEO, Mike Wilson (Integrated Chassis Management) (Source)
As trade increases, chassis pooling is expected to increase. This is because the current number of chassis may not be enough to handle the trade boom. The market may also increase chassis purchases (rather than renting a chassis).
Where can I get the container chassis?
Freight carriers that provide containers usually also offer container chassis and related services at a reasonable price. You can also discuss the chassis with the container provider and negotiate the price.