Definition
A chassis is the foundational wheeled undercarriage or trailer utilized exclusively for the secure movement of ocean shipping containers (FCL) over public roadways. This equipment facilitates the critical drayage stage of container transport, linking the port or rail yard to the final destination warehouse.
A chassis is mandatory for any container shipment traveling by truck and will consequently incur a standard chassis usage fee within the total freight charges.
Core Functionality
Chassis are engineered to accommodate standard FCL dimensions, available primarily in 20-foot and 40-foot lengths. The design includes locking mechanisms that securely attach the container to the chassis frame, fitting the container snugly and preventing excess movement during transit.
Expert Considerations: Tri-Axle Chassis
For shipments containing excessive weight, a special Tri-Axle Chassis may be required. This specialized unit is deployed to better distribute heavy loads, meeting strict federal and state road weight regulations, particularly when moving cargo close to or exceeding legal limits.
General requirements for using a tri-axle chassis:
• A 20-foot container shipment exceeding 36,000 lbs.
• A 40-foot container shipment exceeding 44,000 lbs.
(See Overweight Cargo for more information.)
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