WHAT IS A SHIPPING CONTAINER CHASSIS? TYPES AND USES EXPLAINED

Shipping container chassis are the most essential and fundamental part of the container’s transport and circulation systems from the port or container depots to their final destination.  In this article, Thaco Trailers will give you a quick overview of shipping container chassis and explain in detail types of and their role as an irreplaceable link in transporting goods in the shipping and logistics industry.

1. What is a shipping container chassis?

Shipping container chassis are specialized semi-trailers accepting international sea shipment units and shipping containers. They are a part of the overall intermodal transportation system, contributing to the efficient transfer of the containers. These are the common container chassis which are often utilized to transport 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft containers, while lengthier sizes are available to carry larger ones, 48ft and 53ft residential containers.

A shipping container chassis is a skeleton steel-framed trailer that lacks a bed. It has axles and tires and occasionally has weight sensors, LED illumination, and GPS tracking systems. The axles play a critical part in determining the chassis’ load capability. For example, a two-axle chassis may handle 20ft and 40ft containers. However, if the weight of the 20ft container surpasses 36,000 pounds or the 40ft container surpasses 44,000 pounds, a tri-axle chassis is typically required.

>> Read more: How to choose the right 40ft container chassis for logistics needs

2.  What are the uses of shipping container chassis?

Shipping container chassis plays a pivotal role in the logistics chain by facilitating the movement of containers between loading/unloading points. They transport all types of cargo, including consumer goods and industrial products, and therefore, are critical for any transport company.

3. Why is there a need for shipping container chassis?

The main benefit of using a container chassis compared to other truck types is that it enables drivers to transport containers without prior unloading. Contemporary automobiles are outfitted with amenities like ABS, weight sensors, LED lighting, and GPS tracking. The transportation of shipping containers has become more facile. Shipping containers significantly enhance the convenience and efficacy of transportation.

3.1 Secure shipping

A shipping container chassis is used to support all kinds of containers and help lock them tightly during transportation. The chassis in the provided design comprises a steel structure with twist locks and locking devices that hold the container while in motion. This design ensures that the container stays stable and safe, minimizing the risk of cargo damage or loss.

3.2 Durability

The container chassis are manufactured from high-grade steel, and high-quality materials to withstand the rigors of the road the container frames are durable enough to handle the heaviest of freight, making them reliable for shipping different items. 

 3.3 Versatility

The shipping container chassis are multi-purpose equipment in supply chain management that has various sizes with different lengths, including 20ft, 40ft, and 45ft containers. This allows them ideal for some shipping requirements for a wide range of goods, such as dry goods, refrigerated goods, and hazardous materials.

3.4 Timely delivery 

On the subject of delivery time, efficiency in transportation is paramount and this is where we find that shipping container chassis play a major role through increased rate of loading and unloading of the containers. The extendable chassis types also minimize on chassis changes needed to accommodate the required cargo. This goes a long way to reduce costs and make sure that products get to their destination on time.

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

4. Different types of shipping container chassis

Container Chassis come in a variety of types for different container sizes and weight requirements. Below, Thaco Trailers will suggest the 3 types of shipping container chassis that meet specific shipping requirements:

4.1 Extendable container chassis

An extendable container chassis as its name signifies can change its size to accommodate the different container sizes. At Thaco Trailers, we have two main types of extendable chassis which are 40’/45’ Extendable Chassis and 20’/40’ City Combo Chassis.

40’/45′ Extendable Tandem provides flexibility with exceptional strength. This chassis is designed for transporting a 40’ or a 45’ ISO container through its extendable design, reducing the need for multiple chassis sizes within one fleet. Moreover, its high-strength steel frames and integrated locking pin release mechanism, housed within the main beam, are manufactured by and imported from top global providers, safeguard against shearing forces, and ensure maximum safe load capacity.

20’/40’ City Combo Tandem is engineered for flexibility and durability, this chassis is designed to handle 1 x ISO 20′ or 1 x ISO 40′ container. The strategic two-axle design enhances load balancing, significantly boosting the vehicle’s maneuverability.

These container chassis are the simplest and most fundamental type available. They come in standardized sizes and can be equipped with 1, 2, 3, or more axles based on the weight of the load. They are also the most cost-effective option among container chassis.

The standard container chassis is considered the “standard” in the industry because they are designed specifically for transporting 20ft and 40ft containers, the most commonly used containers for international transportation. These chassis are straightforward, durable, and widely used due to their compatibility with the most commonly used shipping container sizes. They are the workhorses of the logistics industry, providing a cost-effective solution for the majority of transportation needs.

40′ Gooseneck Tandem is a specialized trailer designed for transporting 40ft ISO containers. It features a gooseneck design, which means the front of the chassis has a lowered section, allowing the container to sit lower, enhancing stability and reducing overall height. It prioritizes streamlined design and effortless upkeep, with the strategic dual-axle set-up to optimize load distribution for ISO 40ft containers, while also significantly enhancing the vehicle’s performance on the road.

40′ Gooseneck Tridem is a popular variant of Thaco Trailers’ standard 40’ Gooseneck chassis. The 40′ Gooseneck Tridem at Thaco Trailers is configured with the tri-axle set-up that excels in heavy-duty hauling with its superior stability, surpassing standard models in both load capacity and power, making it the perfect choice for assured long-haul transportation.

40′ Gooseneck Lightweight Tandem achieves super lightweight while remaining exceptionally strong, this chassis is built to handle ISO 40′ containers even more efficiently. The use of high-strength steel and hole punching in the main beam results in a lighter structure and thus a lower tare weight, increasing the payload capacity. Aluminum wheels are also used instead of steel wheels, reducing not only the overall weight of the chassis but also the unsprung weight of the vehicle, improving handling and shock-absorbing performance.

>> Read more: Extendable chassis: Key features and applications in the US

4.3 Slider container chassis

A slider container chassis accommodates varying container sizes by allowing the axles to slide forward and backward along the mainframe rails. This adjustment also changes the weight distribution to optimize for stability and maneuverability.

20’/40’ Combo Tandem is designed to carry both ISO 20’ and ISO 40’ containers loaded, or even two ISO 20’ empties, with its retracted and extended configurations, offering enhanced weight balancing and stability in both positions. The chassis is equipped with a robust slider mechanism, allowing for quick adjustments to axle positioning. The spread axles configuration also offers superior stability, making it exceptionally capable for long-hauls.

>> Read more: The advantages of using combo chassis in transportation

5. How does a shipping container chassis work?

The principal purpose of shipping container chassis is to provide a sturdy and safe foundation for the transportation of containers over extensive distances, whether by road, rail, or maritime routes. These chassis are essential for the efficient movement of commodities throughout the worldwide supply chain. The chassis is typically attached to a tractor unit, and the container is loaded onto the chassis using a crane or a forklift. Once in place, the container is secured using twist locks, which anchor it firmly to the chassis. This setup allows the container to be transported safely over long distances, whether by road, rail, or a combination of both.

6. How high is a shipping container chassis off the ground?

The height of a shipping container chassis from the ground is a critical factor in its design, as it affects the stability and ease of loading and unloading containers. A standard shipping container chassis typically has a ground clearance ranging from 48 to 58 inches. This height is optimized to ensure that containers can be easily transferred between different modes of transport while maintaining the stability needed for safe travel.

7. How much cost is a container chassis?

A range of variables determines the price of a container chassis including; the type of the chassis, size of the chassis, its attributes, and the type of material used in the construction of the chassis. Standard chassis designed for 20ft or 40ft containers may be found in the lower price range, while more intricate chassis, such as extendable models, cost significantly more. Pricing is typically customized based on individual customer needs, with considerations for budget, volume of use, and specific transportation requirements.

8. Thaco Trailers offers a diverse range of innovative shipping container chassis

Thaco Trailers is proud to be the largest Vietnam semi-trailer manufacturer as we continue to lead semi-trailer manufacturers in Vietnam. The US-made shipping container chassis complies with all defined American standards and is highly customizable to fit the markets and needs of the global supply chain.

Thaco Trailers currently offers a diverse range of shipping container chassis, which then products through high-tech production line equipment such as fiber laser cutting, CNC press brake machinery, welding robots, automatic shot blast booth, ED coating, and powder coating lines to achieve the optimum product quality and reliability.

Thaco Trailers’ products not only adhere to local standards but also meet the most stringent North American market requirements and international specifications, including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, 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.

Thaco Trailers facilitates the optimization of productive utility and dependability for these businesses by offering a diverse and extensive selection of high-quality products, thereby providing low-cost and highly efficient transportation facilities. View Thaco Trailer’s large collection of shipping container chassis for sale and find the ideal one for your company right now! For more information on our shipping container chassis, we encourage you to either visit our website or contact us in LinkedIn, we will give tailored recommendations on the right container chassis for you.

Contact Information:

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