A chassis is a specialized trailer frame with wheels designed to carry shipping containers on roads. It’s the critical link between ocean/rail transport and final delivery, allowing containers to move from ports and rail yards to warehouses and distribution centers.
Types of Chassis
By Size
| Chassis Type |
Container Size |
| 20’ chassis |
20’ containers |
| 40’ chassis |
40’ & 40’ HC |
| Combo/extendable |
20’, 40’, or 45' |
| 45’ chassis |
45’ containers |
By Configuration
| Type |
Description |
| Standard |
Fixed length |
| Extendable |
Adjustable for different sizes |
| Tri-axle |
Extra axle for heavy loads |
| Gooseneck |
Carries heavier weights |
| Bombcart |
Short, two-axle for tight spaces |
Chassis Ownership Models
Marine Terminal Chassis (Pool)
- Shared pool at port
- Available to all truckers
- Daily rental fee
- Return to any pool location
Carrier-Owned
- Shipping line provides chassis
- Part of through-service
- Included in freight or separate
- Limited availability
Trucker-Owned
- Trucking company owns
- No per-diem to others
- Capital investment required
- Full control
Leased
- Third-party chassis providers
- Long-term lease agreements
- Known costs
- More availability
Chassis Economics
Costs Involved
| Cost Type |
Description |
Typical Range |
| Pool rental |
Daily use fee |
$20-$50/day |
| Flip fee |
Switching chassis |
$75-$150 |
| Detention |
Over free time |
$50-$100/day |
| Damage |
Repair charges |
Varies |
| Repositioning |
Return to different location |
$50-$200 |
Free Time
- Typical: 2-4 days
- Starts when chassis picked up
- Ends when returned
- Over = detention charges
Chassis Shortage Issues
Why Shortages Occur
- Imbalanced trade (more imports than exports)
- Containers sit on chassis at warehouses
- Not enough equipment at busy ports
- Pool management challenges
Impact of Shortages
- Trucking delays
- Port congestion
- Increased costs
- Supply chain disruptions
Mitigation Strategies
- Grounded operations (lift on/off)
- Chassis pools
- Equipment repositioning
- Container dwell time management
Chassis Inspection
Pre-Trip Requirements
- FMCSA mandates driver inspection
- Check before every trip
- Document any defects
- Reject unsafe equipment
Inspection Points
| Item |
What to Check |
| Tires |
Pressure, tread, damage |
| Lights |
Working, visible |
| Brakes |
Function, air lines |
| Landing gear |
Operates, no damage |
| Frame |
Cracks, welds, rust |
| Twist locks |
Function, condition |
| Pins |
Locking mechanisms |
| DOT stickers |
Current inspection |
Reporting Defects
- Note on checkout sheet
- Report to pool/owner
- Don’t use defective equipment
- Document for protection
Chassis and Drayage
Typical Flow
Port Terminal
│
├─ Pick up loaded container + chassis
│
↓
Over-the-Road Transport
│
├─ Trucked to consignee
│
↓
Warehouse/Facility
│
├─ Container destuffed
│
↓
Return Empty
│
└─ Return chassis to pool + empty container
Street Turns
- Swap empty for loaded at warehouse
- Avoids extra port trips
- Saves time and cost
- Requires coordination
Chassis Pools
Major US Chassis Pools
- DCLI (Direct ChassisLink Inc.)
- TRAC Intermodal
- Flexi-Van
- Regional pools (various)
How Pools Work
- Trucker signs pool agreement
- Picks up chassis at terminal
- Uses for transport
- Returns to any pool location
- Charged per-diem rate
Chassis Regulations
FMCSA Requirements
- Annual inspection
- Pre/post trip inspections
- Maintenance records
- Driver qualifications
Weight Limits
- Gross vehicle weight limits
- Bridge formula compliance
- State weight regulations
- Permit for overweight