Container Chassis Trailer

Overview

Container Chassis, also known as Intermodal Chassis, are specialized trailer frames designed to transport ISO shipping containers by road.

Unlike Dry Vans or Flatbeds, the chassis does not provide its own enclosed cargo space. Instead, the shipping container itself becomes the cargo unit and is secured directly to the chassis using locking points designed to engage with the container’s corner castings.

Container Chassis are commonly used for drayage and intermodal movements between ports, rail terminals, warehouses, distribution centers, and other inland facilities.

Key characteristics:

• Designed specifically for shipping containers
• Open skeletal-frame construction
• Container secured through locking mechanisms
• Used for port, rail, and inland container movements
• Available for multiple container lengths
• Standard, combo, and extendable configurations available
• Tandem and tridem axle configurations available
• No independent cargo enclosure

Current chassis manufacturers offer equipment for 20 ft, 40 ft, 45 ft, and 53 ft containers, with combo and extendable designs allowing one chassis to support multiple container lengths.

Container / Intermodal Chassis Image Gallery

Available Sizes & Configurations

Container Chassis are available in several configurations depending on the container being transported.

Common configurations include:

• 20 ft Chassis
• 40 ft Chassis
• 45 ft Chassis
• 53 ft Chassis
• 20/40 Combo Chassis
• 40/45 Extendable Chassis
• 20/40 Extendable Chassis
• Tandem Axle Chassis
• Tridem / Tri-Axle Chassis
• Drop Frame Chassis for certain tank or heavy-container applications

For example, Hyundai Translead currently offers 20/40 extendable configurations capable of transporting either one 20 ft or one 40 ft ISO container, while its 40/45 extendable chassis supports 40 ft and 45 ft containers.

Some specialized chassis use additional axles or different frame arrangements when additional capacity or specific container configurations are required.

Typical Dimensions & Capacity

Because chassis dimensions are closely tied to the container sizes they are designed to carry, there is no single universal chassis length.

One current Hyundai 20/40 tandem-spread chassis has a closed length of approximately 32 ft and extends to about 40 ft 6 in, with a 96 in overall width. Its rated carrying capacity differs depending on whether it is configured for a 20 ft or 40 ft container.

A tri-axle version of the same general configuration provides higher rated capacity than the tandem model.

Note: Chassis dimensions, axle configuration, tare weight, rated capacity, and allowable container weight vary by manufacturer, model, tractor, container configuration, cargo weight distribution, and applicable transportation regulations.

Best For / Not Ideal For

Container Chassis are specifically designed for containerized freight rather than cargo loaded directly onto the trailer itself.

The appropriate chassis configuration depends primarily on container type, length, weight, and applicable road requirements.

Industries & Typical Cargo

Because the chassis carries the container rather than the cargo directly, it can support many industries depending on what is inside the container.

Import & Export Freight

• Dry containerized goods
• Palletized products
• Retail merchandise
• Industrial cargo

Manufacturing & Distribution

• Raw materials
• Finished products
• Components
• Warehouse inventory

Temperature-Controlled Freight

• Reefer containers
• Chilled or frozen cargo
• Other temperature-sensitive containerized freight

Specialized Container Cargo

• Tank containers
• Heavy containerized freight
• Specialized ISO container equipment

Loading & Handling Considerations

Before booking a Container Chassis, confirm:

• Container size and type
• Container number
• Total container weight
• Cargo weight
• Required chassis configuration
• Tandem or tri-axle requirements
• Container pickup and return location
• Port or rail terminal requirements
• Weight distribution
• Applicable road weight limits
• Equipment availability
• Required appointments
• Origin and destination facility access

Keep note of the following when using Container Chassis Trailers:

1. The container must be compatible with the selected chassis configuration and properly secured before road transportation.
2. Heavier containers may require additional attention to axle configuration and applicable weight limits. For example, some tri-axle chassis are specifically designed to provide additional capacity compared with standard tandem configurations.
3. Container and chassis availability should also be coordinated carefully for port and rail movements to avoid operational delays.

When Should You Choose a Container / Intermodal Chassis?

A Container Chassis is usually required when your shipment:

• Is moving inside an ISO shipping container
• Requires inland transportation to or from a port or rail terminal
• Needs container drayage between terminals and warehouses
• Uses a 20 ft, 40 ft, 45 ft, or other compatible container
• Requires the ocean container to remain intact during inland transportation
• Is part of an intermodal transportation movement

A different trailer may be more appropriate when the freight is removed from the container before inland transportation or requires specialized loading that cannot be performed while containerized.

Did You Know?

Container Chassis and ocean containers work together as part of the same intermodal movement.

Explore our Container Types Guide to learn more about the different container types, dimensions, and cargo applications available for ocean freight.

FAQs