A container can't go on the road by itself. It sits on a chassis: a wheeled steel frame that the truck pulls. Every drayage move needs one, and in the US the chassis is usually a separate cost on the bill.
Who supplies chassis in the USLink to the section “Who supplies chassis in the US”
In many parts of the world the ocean carrier or the trucker supplies the chassis. In the US, most chassis come from leasing companies and chassis pools. A pool is a shared set of chassis that truckers can use at the terminals and depots it serves. Some ports run their own pool; others rely on the leasing companies. Our port pages name the chassis pools or providers at each port where a public source confirms them.
Some drayage providers also own their chassis. Whoever supplies it, the cost normally reaches you as a chassis charge on the drayage bill.
Chassis rental (per day)Link to the section “Chassis rental (per day)”
Chassis rental is charged per day that the chassis is in use, from the day the container is collected until the empty is returned and the chassis goes back. Most moves carry at least one or two chassis days; a drop at a warehouse that takes several days to unload adds more.
Chassis splitLink to the section “Chassis split”
A chassis split happens when the chassis isn't at the same place as the container. The driver first collects a chassis from a depot, then drives to the terminal to mount the container (or does the same in reverse when returning). That extra trip is billed as a split. Near-dock pools and terminals that keep chassis on site reduce splits.
Special chassisLink to the section “Special chassis”
- Tri-axle chassis carry heavier loads. Heavy 20ft containers (stone, tiles, metals) often need one, and it's usually charged at a higher rate.
- Chassis for 45ft or other special containers are less common and may need to be arranged in advance.
How to keep chassis costs downLink to the section “How to keep chassis costs down”
- Unload quickly. Every extra day on a drop adds a chassis day.
- Return empties promptly, which stops chassis days and container detention together.
- Declare heavy cargo up front, so the right chassis is booked and quoted.
- Ask about the chassis source at your port: a near-dock pool can avoid splits.
Your firm quote from a licensed US provider shows the chassis charges that apply to your move. Check the typical range for your lane and request a quote.