What is Chassis?
A chassis is a wheeled trailer frame with twist-lock fittings designed to carry an intermodal container over the road, coupled to a truck tractor. Common configurations include 20-foot, 40-foot and 45-foot frames, extendable chassis that adjust between lengths, tri-axle chassis for heavy containers and gooseneck chassis that let high-cube boxes sit lower. In the United States chassis are frequently supplied through pools and leasing companies rather than by the trucking company, and the party that interchanges a chassis with a motor carrier is classed as an intermodal equipment provider (IEP). Under FMCSA rules at 49 CFR 390.40, IEPs must register with FMCSA, obtain a USDOT number and maintain a systematic inspection, repair and maintenance programme. In many other markets the haulier owns or leases its own chassis and the cost is built into the haulage rate.
Why it matters for forwarders
Chassis availability and cost directly affect drayage, particularly at congested US ports where a shortage of chassis can delay pickups and trigger demurrage even when the container is available. Chassis are usually charged per day from pickup to return, so delays at the consignee's warehouse add chassis usage fees on top of container detention. A 'chassis split' charge applies when the trucker must collect a chassis from a different location than the container. Drivers are responsible for a pre-trip inspection and must report defects to the IEP, and an unroadworthy chassis can be placed out of service at a roadside inspection. Forwarders quoting US drayage should state chassis days included, the daily rate after that, and any split or pool-specific fees, to avoid unexpected accessorial charges.