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.)
-
The Algorithm of Compliance: Navigating the 2026 Logistics Policy Shift
The global supply chain has entered a phase of 'High-Frequency Regulation.' From the US escalating tariffs up to 540% on specific verticals, to Amazon narrowing the error margin for delivery compliance to just 5%, the era of flexible logistics is over. We analyze how data-driven rigor is the only defense against this new wave of cross-border volatility.
2026-01-16
-
The Zero-Tolerance Algorithm: Navigating the EU CBAM Definitive Phase
As of January 14, 2026, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has entered its definitive enforcement phase. With over 10,000 declarations already processed via real-time integration between customs and the CBAM Registry, the margin for error has vanished. This article dissects the technical reality of the new "authorized declarant" requirement and outlines the calculated path to avoiding shipment paralysis.
2026-01-15
