UNDERSTANDING THE 20FT CONTAINER CHASSIS: DIMENSIONS AND BENEFITS

The 20ft container chassis is a universal and highly demanded commercial transport vehicle used in the logistics industry. The vehicle also has a series of advantages, including rapid and efficient cargo handling, low cost, and ease of turning, making it ideal for diverse applications. In the following guide of Thaco Trailers, we will pay more attention to introducing the 20ft Container Chassis and the dimensions to help you master the features.

1. What is a 20ft container chassis?

Container chassis are unique types of trailers for shipping containers. Its main use is to offer a firm platform for the transportation of containers over a large distance. These chassis are critical to sustaining and enhancing the effectiveness of the supply chains around the world.

Of them, the 20ft container chassis is more common since the 20ft intermodal chassis has many applications, so is popular in urban transport because of its small size. The 20ft chassis is made up of all the necessary qualities of a universal chassis for containers mainly having a robust frame construction typically made of high-strength steel, relative simplicity in design that helps lower the tare weightage on average, and maintenance costs, twist locks and pins offered to contain the containers safely during transportation.

There are different types and specifications of the 20 ft container chassis and may have longer measures to meet the need for extra length that is outside the 20 ft size of the containers. Weight allowance can also be changed depending on the type of frame, variety of axles, or even length augmentation.

2. Common types of 20ft container chassis

Each type of 20ft container chassis is designed to meet various specific shipping requirements. The differences and configurations, adjustability, and tare weight make certain types of 20ft chassis suitable for different usage:

• Standard Chassis:  In a sliding or shifting carriage, one or more axles mounted on the slider rail enable a forward or backward shifting on the frame. This specifically makes the chassis highly flexible to the container weights and length too since it can be adjusted to fit the dully. Slider chassis can be made of a variable length, to accommodate both 20 ft and 40 ft containers. This flexibility is enforced by a system that enables the axle subframe to run along the mainframe rails to accommodate the size of the container the subframe will extend to. 
• Slider Chassis: Two or more axles on a sliding chassis allow the slider rail to slide forward or backward along the frame. This makes the chassis incredibly adaptable and can be adjusted to fit various container weights and lengths. Slider chassis offer adjustable lengths to transport both 20-ft and 40-ft containers. This flexibility is achieved through a mechanism that allows the axle subframe to slide along the mainframe rails, matching the size of the container it carries. 
• Extendable Chassis: Similar to the slider Chassis but providing greater flexibility by allowing the axle subframe to protrude from the mainframe length, the extendable chassis accommodates longer containers ranging from 20ft to 45ft, with some accommodating up to 53ft US domestic containers. This extreme flexibility makes an extendable chassis ideal for transporting a variety of different containers.

3. The importance of a 20ft container chassis in Logistics

• Efficient Cargo Transport: The 20ft container chassis is best suited for small loads or for usage in regions where space is a constraint, including cities, or busy harbors. This makes it ideal for companies that move relatively small amounts of inventory or those that operate in areas where space is very limited.
• Cost-Effectiveness:  The 20ft chassis is generally more economical to transport than larger chassis owing to its fuel efficiency requirements. This is particularly important for those companies that are interested and are working towards cutting down the expenses incurred in their logistics chain. Moreover, the chassis is normally cheaper to acquire and to manage in terms of maintenance; a factor that makes it appropriately cheap to supply in most logistics companies.
• Critical Role in Global Supply Chains: The 20ft chassis maintains the efficiency of the transport of containers because it gives them a standard and reliable form to be transported. Among the roles stated and understood it facilitates several industries to sustain importation and exportation activities aimed at growing the economy.

In total, the 20-foot container chassis is an essential product of the logistics industry. Flexibility, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety are some of the benefits that are fundamental to supply chain management.

4. Factors to consider when choosing a 20ft container chassis 

4.1 Dimensions

When choosing a 20ft container chassis, there are several critical factors to consider to ensure it meets your tránportation demands effectively:

• Payload Capacity: The payload capacity is crucial as it determines the maximum load a chassis can carry. For a standard 20ft container chassis, the maximum payload typically ranges up to around 47,928 lbs (21,739 kg). This capacity is essential to ensure safe and efficient transport of goods.
• Chassis Dimensions: The standard dimensions of a 20ft container are 240 inches in length, 96 inches in width, and 102 inches in height. The interior dimensions slightly differ to accommodate the container’s structure and vary depending on the design.
• Chassis Material and Construction: The material and construction of the chassis play a vital role in its durability and strength. Most chassis are made of ASTM A572 Grade 50 hot-rolled H-beams or welded high-strength steel beams such as ASTM Grade 100 or ASTM Grade 130 to support heavy loads and resist wear and tear during transport.
• Suspension System: A good suspension system is necessary for smooth transportation, especially on uneven roads. It helps in absorbing shocks and reducing damage to the cargo and chassis.
• Axle, Wheel, and Tire Configuration: The axle, wheel, and tire configuration is crucial for the stability and maneuverability of the chassis. Different terrains and load weights would require specific axle-wheel-tire configurations, such as single or multiple axle configurations.

4.2 Safety features

It’s essential to consider the safety features that ensure secure and reliable transportation of containers. These features are designed to enhance the chassis’s performance, prevent accidents, and protect both the cargo and the driver. Here are 6 key safety features to look for:

• PSI Tire Inflation System with Thermal Alert: This system automatically maintains the correct tire pressure, which is crucial for safe and efficient transport. Proper tire inflation improves fuel efficiency, reduces tire wear, and minimizes the risk of blowouts. The thermal alert feature notifies the driver if the tires overheat, preventing potential tire failures.
• ABS – Anti-lock Braking System: An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is vital for preventing wheel lockup during sudden braking. ABS helps maintain control and stability of the chassis during emergency stops or on slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of skidding and accidents.
• Stemco Hubodometer: A hubodometer is a device mounted on the axle hub that records the distance traveled by the chassis. This feature is crucial for tracking mileage, scheduling maintenance, and ensuring the chassis operates within safe parameters. Proper maintenance based on mileage data can prevent mechanical failures and enhance safety.
• Twist Locks: Twist locks are locking mechanisms used to secure containers to the chassis during transport. They are crucial for preventing containers from shifting or falling off the chassis, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops. 
• Reflective Markers and Lighting Systems: Reflective markers and proper lighting are essential for visibility, especially during nighttime or low-visibility conditions. These features help other drivers see the chassis, reducing the risk of collisions.
• Braking Systems: In addition to ABS, the chassis should have reliable air or hydraulic braking systems that provide adequate stopping power for the load being carried. Properly functioning brakes are essential for safe operation, especially when carrying heavy containers.

4.3 Budget considerations

Depending on an individual’s financial circumstances, the type of chassis you’re looking for, features you need, the price range for a 20ft container chassis can vary significantly based on several factors, including the brand, materials used, and specific features included.

5. Thaco Trailers – Top manufacturer of high-quality 20ft container chassis

Thaco Trailers, a subsidiary of THACO INDUSTRIES, is a leading manufacturer of semi-trailers and heavy steel structures in Southeast Asia. With over USD 70 million invested in a 2.5-hectare facility, including a comprehensive R&D center, Thaco Trailers operates two shifts per day to produce up to 30,000 units annually.

The company implements various advanced technologies throughout the production process, from 2D and 3D designing using AutoCAD and Siemens NX, and performing stress simulations with HyperWorks, to cutting work using CNC oxy-fuel and plasma, CNC pressing, fiber laser, to robotic welding and painting. The assembled products are extensively tested in different conditions, including loaded, sideslip, and brake tests, ensuring market standards such as DOT, AAR, ANSI, TOFC, F(C)MVSS, SAE, and TTMA are met.

Thaco Trailers produces and supplies a variety of semi-trailer configurations, including specialized container chassis, skeletal chassis (standard, slider, extendable), and accessory parts for semi-trailer, maximizing utility for each customer. Thaco Trailers’ products are praised for their lightweight, high durability, flexible configurations, powerful, yet stable operation, optimizing payload capacity, and minimizing operational costs.

Thaco Trailers offers a range of 20ft semi-trailers designed to meet various logistics and transportation needs. Some of their notable 20ft semi-trailer types include:

20’/40′ Combo Tandem

20’/40′ Combo Tridem

20’/40′ City Combo Tandem

20′ Slider Tandem

20’/40’/45’ City Combo Tridem

20’/40’/45′ City Combo Tridem Without Genset

20’/40’/45’ City Combo Tridem With Genset

20′ Slider Tandem With Rear Fifth Wheel

Thaco Trailers delivers superior quality and innovative container chassis, offering robust, durable, and optimal designs tailored to meet the rigorous demands of the logistics industry. With cutting-edge technology and a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Thaco Trailers ensures reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, positioning itself as the leading choice for reliable container chassis. Here are 4 key features that made the 20ft Container Chassis of Thaco Trailers special and different from the other brands:

• Fabrication: Components are laser-cut with high accuracy and assembled using an advanced, automated production line.
• Durable Finish: Post-welding, the chassis undergoes shot-blasting and is coated with a high-quality primer and powder topcoat, offering up to 10 years of paint warranty.
• Enhanced Safety Features: Equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and an ATIS with temperature warnings for optimal safety and tire management.
• Customizable Options: Available with additional features like Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Anti-Roll Stability System tailored to customer needs.

In summary, 20ft container chassis are indispensable in global logistics, ensuring efficient cargo transportation. Key benefits include low tare weight, high payload capacity, superior durability, and versatile applications. Thaco Trailers stands out as a leading provider, offering high-quality 20ft container chassis tailored to meet industry demands. For expert advice and support, contact our hotline at (+84) 933 805 707 or email us at thacosv@thaco.com.vn.

Contact Information:

• Hotline: (+84) 933 805 707
• Email address: thacosv@thaco.com.vn