WHAT IS AN INTERMODAL CHASSIS IN LOGISTICS?

30 Nov, 2024

In the logistics industry, the intermodal chassis is vital in the general movement of every cargo through various modes of transport. But what is an intermodal chassis, and why is it considered critical in supply chain management? In this article, Thaco Trailers will provide you with a head start on understanding what makes intermodal chassis special and important in the logistics industry.

1. What is an intermodal chassis?

An intermodal chassis is a type of trailer specifically designed for transporting intermodal shipping containers over land. These chassis are designed to accommodate several ISO container dimensions, often 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft, facilitating intermodal transportation and minimizing unnecessary cargo reloading during mode transitions. These chassis are designed to safely and powerfully hold the containers, therefore facilitating safe and orderly road transportation.

intermodal chassis 1

>> Read more: What is Container Chassis? Learn about Types and Uses

2. What you need to know about Intermodal Chassis Parts

Understanding the various components available in each part of a chassis portion enables organizations to select the best type for their transportation requirements. Each component contributes significantly to the safe and efficient delivery of freight. Thus, knowing which parts are compatible with specific chassis designs enables optimal transportation performance.

Frame: The frame is the most basic structure in any chassis that one could think of. Superior and strong materials (such as ASTM A572 Grade 50 hot-rolled H-beams or ASTM Grade 100 welded beams, etc.) can be used while precise welding and shaping provide the strength needed to safely support the container’s weight. The main framework of Thaco Trailers includes a high-strength performance of hot-rolled H-beams or welded steel beams with high tensile steel that can easily sustain big loads and adverse roads.
Twist locks and pins: Twist locks and pins are specially designed to secure the intermodal container onto the chassis and also to avoid detachment or movement during transportation. Appropriate twist locks and pins are requirements for maintaining the security of transportation systems.
Suspension system: The suspension systems will reduce impact forces and transmit road vibrations to protect both loads from damage and chassis during transportation on the roads. The system also enables adequate tire grip for maneuvering safely along the road as well as sufficient distance for a safe stop, as desired.
Brakes: The braking system is essential for controlling the speed and enabling vehicle stoppage. Air brakes are mandatory and applied on all intermodal chassis because they proved to be more reliable and capable of performing under heavy braking in high-loaded conditions than hydraulic brakes. This entails a regular check of the machinery to guarantee that the braking system is in good shape to prevent accidents and increase road safety and standards.
Axles, wheels, and tires: The axles support the chassis and enable movement, while the tires provide traction, stability, and additional cushioning. The axle, wheels, and tires facilitate the essential function of carrying things. The choice between single axle, tandem, or tridem configurations must be based on the required weights and dimensions of the loads, while the importance of tire maintenance to prevent blowouts and enhance fuel efficiency cannot be overstated.
Landing gear: The landing gear supports the chassis when it is disconnected from the tractor unit, allowing it to stand independently. This feature is essential for loading and unloading operations.
Lighting and electrical systems: The lighting systems are critical for ensuring the chassis’s visibility during nighttime transportation and providing crucial signals when in traffic, such as brake lights, turn signals, and passive reflectors. The chassis’ electrical wiring harness and connectors must be regularly checked, especially before traveling on public roads, to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and safe traveling.

Generally, there are many options and types for each part of a container chassis. However, it is important to check for compatibility with the chassis, as well as the ratings for the desired capacity to achieve the highest performance from your vehicle. Thaco Trailers simplifies this process by providing various options that can suit whatever your transportation needs may be.

>> Read more: Essential components of trailer suspension systems

3. Popular types of intermodal chassis

Intermodal chassis can be constructed in a variety of forms to meet the requirements of particular container sizes, kinds, and the associated demands of various industries. Here is information regarding the best choice intermodal chassis: their merits and the types that are most frequently employed:

Standard Chassis

According to the name of this type of chassis, the standard chassis is the type of chassis that is most commonly used in intermodal transportation. It is intended for the handling of ISO 20ft and 40ft sizes of containers, and US domestic sizes, including 45ft, 48ft, and 53ft size. This type of chassis is designed to offer significant strength with frames typically constructed from high-strength steel for increased load-bearing capacity while remaining relatively lightweight due to simple structural design. The standard chassis is favored for its strength and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for transporting most types of goods, while remaining extremely cost-effective regarding long-term usage and maintenance.

Key features of the standard chassis include:

Simplicity in design: Easy to maintain with fewer, simpler parts, reducing maintenance downtime and costs. The lighter chassis also results in lower fuel consumption and emission, and the lower tare weight means increased payload capacity and reduced wear and tear.
Easy-to-find components and warranty services: Since it is the most common type, parts and services are readily available, making it easier to manage and repair.

intermodal chassis 2

>> Read more: 40′ Gooseneck Tandem at Thaco Trailers

Extendable Chassis

Compared with standard chassis, extendable chassis offers greater flexibility and it is designed to optimally adjust container lock positions for the best fit and load distribution to carry containers of varying lengths, typically ranging from 20ft to 40ft, or 40ft to 45ft. This adjustability makes the extendable chassis ideal for loads of various sizes or situations where cargo comes in non-standard sizes, and it is especially beneficial in the US market, where 53ft containers are as popular as 40ft containers.

Benefits of using an extendable chassis include:

Adaptability: The ability to extend or retract the chassis enables it to accommodate different container sizes, reducing the need to switch chassis between loads and thereby minimizing empty container logistics.
Cost-efficiency: Instead of using various chassis sizes, an extendable chassis can effectively handle a size range twice as large or more compared to a standard chassis, optimizing fleet usage.

intermodal chassis 3

> Read more:

The benefits of using a 40ft chassis in freight transportation

The advantages of using combo chassis in transportation

Slider Chassis

Two or more axles on a sliding chassis allow the slider rail to slide forward or backward along the frame. The adjustable axle positioning distributes the payload evenly, enhancing flexibility during operation on all terrains. 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.
The adjustable lengths of slider chassis enhance flexibility, making them particularly beneficial for smaller fleets emphasizing cost efficiency.Each intermodal chassis type offers unique benefits and is specially designed to meet the logistics demands and ensure that the right equipment is available for every kind of cargo. Whether transporting standard goods, large loads, hazardous liquids, or high-cube containers, choosing the right chassis type will enhance intermodal transport operations’ efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

>> Read more: 20′ Slider Tandem – Thaco Trailers

4. Application and benefits of intermodal chassis in the logistics sector

Intermodal chassis are an essential component of contemporary supply chains as they offer numerous advantages to the logistics industry.

Transporting large volumes of goods

Multimodal chassis enables efficient transport of large volumes of cargo over large distances, which also minimizes cargo damage and eliminates the need for repeated handling, unpacking, and reloading.

Enhance transportation efficiency

By facilitating quick transfers between different transport modes, intermodal chassis help to streamline operations and reduce transit times, as well as operational costs lost to handling and stationary durations.

Cost savings

Container chassis facilitate intermodal transportation from sea, air, or rail to the roadway, allowing for more efficient, cost-effective freight due to its seamless transloading. This helps significantly save logistics costs compared to solely relying on trucks for long-haul transportation.

Optimize logistics processes

Therefore, Intermodal chassis contribute to enhancing logistics processes by increasing the flexibility and scalability of transportation solutions. They also provide transport over a wider range and through the use of different means of transport, which makes it possible to transport products from cross-country to intercontinental.

>> Read more: High-Quality Semi-Trailers & Components | Thaco Trailers

5. Where to buy an intermodal chassis for sale?

Thaco Trailers has the design capabilities and expertise to develop multi-modal chassis to suit your requirements. Thaco Trailers provide a diverse selection of semi-trailers, ranging from standard, fixed-sized gooseneck chassis, to adjustable length chassis such as sliders or extendables. Thaco Trailers’ products have reached the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other key markets because of its high quality and excellent specifications.

As mentioned, if you want to order our intermodal chassis or have any questions, please “contact us” through the hotline below and our professionals specializing in intermodal chassis will call you directly to explain your requirements and quote you.

>> Read more: Thaco Trailers provides optimal transportation solutions for the North American Market

6. Thaco Trailers – A top supplier of advanced intermodal chassis

intermodal chassis 5

Thaco Trailers’ products not only adhere to local standards but also meet the most stringent North American market requirements and international specifications, as well as compliance with traffic and safety standards of governing bodies such as the DOT, FMCSA, and NHTSA in the USA and the NSC of the CCMTA, and regulations of Transport Canada in Canada.

Let Thaco Trailers help you find the perfect solution for your transportation needs. Our team of experts is ready to answer your questions and provide valuable advice. Contact Thaco Trailers today or visit our product pages to find the perfect combo chassis.

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