What is a shipping container trailer called?

A semi-tractor hauling a bare chassis.

A container chassis, also called intermodal chassis or skeletal trailer, is a type of semi-trailer designed to securely carry an intermodal container. Chassis are used by truckers to deliver containers between ports, railyards, container depots, and shipper facilities,[1]: 2–3  and are thus a key part of the intermodal supply chain.

Operation

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The use of chassis to haul containers over-the-road is known as drayage trucking, and is a section of intermodal, which also includes rail transport of containers using well or flat cars and overseas transport in ships or barges. Like other intermodal equipment, chassis are equipped with twistlocks at each corner which allows a container (hoisted onto or off the chassis by a crane), to be locked on for secure transport or unlocked to be lifted off.[2] The length of a chassis corresponds to which container size will fit (i.e., a 40-foot-long chassis fits a 40-foot-long container), but some models are adjustable length.[3]

A port crane lifts a container from a ship to a chassis for road transport.

Semi-tractor trucks hook up to chassis via the kingpin. When disconnected from a tractor, the chassis' landing gear can be cranked down to park it.[4]

Portable generators, also called gensets, can be mounted (underslung) onto chassis. These gensets are used to power a refrigerated container.[5]

The axle group on some chassis (especially 20-foot and 53-foot units) can be slid backwards or forwards to change the weight distribution of heavy containers, allowing safe operation and compliance with weight restrictions.

An identification number is often stenciled on chassis to track each unit in a fleet. According to ISO 6346, a chassis should have the letter "Z" at the end of its reporting mark.

Chassis can be stacked to reduce parking space.

A variation is the tank container chassis, which are used for ISO tank containers. They are characteristically longer and have lower deck height then standard chassis, ideal for transporting constantly shifting payloads. These chassis can also be fitted with additional accessories including: lift kits to facilitate product discharge, hose tubes, and hi/lo kits to carry two empty tanks. They come in tandem axle, spread axle, tri-axle, and hi/lo combo configurations.

A truck hauling a bomb cart, which are used by dockworkers to shuttle containers within a port. They have side panels instead of twistlocks which allows crane operators to quickly place containers on them to hasten the unloading process.

Chassis Pools

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Bare container chassis parked at an intermodal facility.

Unlike other countries where chassis are mostly owned or long-term leased by trucking companies, in the United States most chassis are currently owned by a few leasing companies (pools) which rent out the equipment to truckers.[1]: 1 [6] When a trucker leaves or enters a facility with a pool chassis, an EDI record is generated at the facility gate which identifies the trucking company and the chassis pool, and this allows the pool to invoice the appropriate trucking company for chassis usage. The system is influenced by the steamship lines and by the operation of container terminals. Firstly, containers are commonly stored on chassis as a single mounted unit at rail yards and depots–such terminals are known as "wheeled" facilities. Secondly, steamship lines offer a service called ″carrier haulage″ or ″store door delivery″, whereby they arrange the drayage of a customer’s container. The steamship line hires a local trucking company and pays the pool for the chassis usage.

As a result, steamship lines formed contractual agreements with the pools which entail that when a container is on-terminal it must be on a pool specified by the steamship line.[7]: 26 [8][9] This means that at wheeled facilities, containers are mounted onto chassis selected by the steamship line before the trucker arrives to pickup.[10] Some disadvantages of this system are that it can restrict truckers' choice of which chassis to use[11] and it can cause "chassis splits", which are when a container and its required chassis pool are in different locations.

Shortages

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In the United States, container chassis shortages are a chronic problem, especially during peaks in container volume.[12] There are several causes of chassis shortages, but a common problem is excessive off-terminal dwell time. Off-terminal dwell time is the length of time a shipper keeps a chassis/container at their premises. Long dwell times mean less free chassis on-site at ports and rail ramps.[13][14]

An APL 20-foot container and chassis at a loading dock.

See also

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References

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Further reading

When you order a shipping container, you need a way to get it to your site. A truck driver will deliver your unit wherever you specify, provided there is enough clearance to safely do so. There are many types of shipping container trucks depending on the size, purpose and location of your container.

Shipping container providers either use their own truck drivers or they utilize a third party trucking partner to deliver the containers. Usually, ground delivery option is the standard delivery option, with most trucks being tilt beds, flat deck trailers or roll back trucks.

1. Tilt Bed

Tilt bed trucks are the most common when delivering 20-foot shipping containers. These short bed trucks have a tilt bed that is mounted to the chassis. These vehicles are designed to carry empty shipping containers weighing about 5,000 lbs. The container will be loaded at the yard with a container handler. Upon arrival at the site, the driver will raise the hydraulic bed until the rear corners touch the ground. The container will then slide gently to the ground as the driver moves forward.

2. Flat Deck Trailers/Roll Back Trucks

When getting a 40-foot shipping container delivered, flat deck and roll back trucks are frequently used, towed by either a light-duty truck or heavy-duty tractor. This type of truck can carry empty or full containers. Hot shot deliveries can be made by four-wheel-drive trucks with a shorter wheel base to better access tight spaces.

3. Flat Beds

Flat beds and chassis type trailers are used for bulk purchases or when the delivery site is located a long distance from the container yard. The customer will generally need to have certain equipment on site to help unload the containers. A three-ton forklift can unload a 20-foot container thanks to pockets in the bottom. For 40-foot containers, you will need a crane for unloading.

If you choose to pick up a shipping container from a port, the empty container is delivered via a chassis type trailer. The customer is billed hourly, even though the driver remains on site for live loading. A ramp or loading dock will be necessary to get to the container because it will be elevated several feet from the ground. If you are unable to unload the container all on one day, you can choose to pay a daily rental fee on the chassis trailer.

No matter which type of delivery truck brings your container to the site, the professionals at Aaron Supreme will always be forthright with you about how to be prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Container Trucks

What kind of truck can move a shipping container?

A specialized truck known as a side loader or tilt bed truck is commonly used to transport and deliver shipping containers. These trucks are equipped with cranes or hydraulic systems that can lift and position containers with precision. For larger containers, semi-trucks equipped with chassis specifically designed for containers are also used.

How much does it cost to deliver a container?

The cost to deliver a container varies based on distance, location, container size, and the service provider. Our local deliveries may range between $100 to $500, while longer distances can cost upwards of $1,500 or more. Request a quote from our team before starting work to ensure accurate pricing no matter the scope of your project.

What is a container carrier truck called?

A truck specifically designed to carry shipping containers is commonly referred to as a container chassis or simply chassis. These trucks are designed with locking mechanisms to securely hold containers in place during transportation.

Do shipping containers fit on trucks?

Yes, shipping containers are designed to be easily transported by trucks, trains, and ships. Standard-sized containers, such as the 20ft and 40ft variants, fit perfectly on specialized truck chassis, ensuring secure and efficient transportation.

How do containers get loaded onto trucks?

Containers are typically loaded onto trucks using large cranes at ports or specialized forklifts at depots. Side loader trucks can self-load containers using onboard equipment. The container is securely locked onto the chassis using twist locks, ensuring it remains stable during transit.

What happens to shipping containers after delivery?

After delivery, shipping containers can serve various purposes. Some are returned to ports for reuse in global trade, others are sold or rented out for storage, and many are repurposed into structures like homes, offices, or shops. Their afterlife largely depends on the container’s condition and the demand for such containers in a particular region.

How do shipping containers not fall off trucks?

Shipping containers are securely fastened to truck chassis using twist locks located at the container’s corners. These locking mechanisms ensure the container is anchored firmly to the truck, preventing any movement or toppling during transit, even under challenging road conditions. Proper loading and distribution of weight within the container further enhance stability during transport.

Request a Quote Now

Whether you’re in the construction, school, government, restaurant or retail industry, we have you covered with the right shipping containers for your needs. To learn more about what we offer, what kind of delivery truck to expect, or to request a free quote, call us at 800.243.0403.