Chassis Supplier Sheet

Chassis Definition

A container chassis, also called an 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.  A container is mounted to the chassis by crane and held in place by locking pins or twist locks.  (See chassis diagram below)

Chassis Pool

A chassis pool is a location where chassis are stored and are available for pick up & rental. 

Chassis Providers

An Intermodal Equipment Provider (IEP) is the owner of the chassis that are directly provided to shippers or motor carriers.

NOTE:   Most pools operate on container rules where the ocean carrier selects the chassis provider (both for carrier haulage and merchant haulage moves), even when they are not responsible for the costs.  To avoid possible misuse fees, please refer to the chassis matrix below:

Chassis Providers by Region:

Chassis Usage Fees

IEP’s will charge for the use of their chassis in the form of a chassis usage fee or Chassis Usage Charge (CUC).  This is a daily charge typically ranging from $35 - $75 depending on the type of chassis used.  Note that the charge “clock” starts upon out gate from a port, rail, or depot and does not stop until the chassis is terminated to the correct port, rail, or depot.  To reduce costs, it is important to terminate or reuse a chassis as quickly as possible. 

Chassis Misuse

A misuse fee occurs when a chassis is returned to a geographical location different from where it was originally utilized and is assessed by the chassis owner.   

Chassis Split

A chassis split occurs when a trucker must go to one place to pick up a chassis and another to pick up a container.  A carrier will typically assess a chassis split fee when this happens.