Choosing the right shipping container trailer (or chassis) is just as crucial as selecting the container itself. In the complex world of intermodal freight and drayage tips, the trailer is the bridge that connects the port to the final destination. Using the wrong type of container chassis can lead to height violations, weight distribution issues, and costly delays.
This guide provides an essential breakdown of the core chassis types used in logistics and how to match them to the specific container size you need.
The Two Fundamental Chassis Types
When transporting standard ISO containers, the choice often comes down to two primary designs, determined by the height of the container being carried: the straight frame and the gooseneck.
1. Straight Frame Chassis (The Standard)
The straight frame is the simplest and most common container chassis design.
| Feature | Detail | Best For |
| Frame Design | A flat, rectangular frame with a standard deck height. | Standard Height containers (8′ 6” tall). |
| Use Case | Ideal for general cargo where container height is not an issue. | 20ft Standard and 40ft Standard containers. |
| Pros | Simple, durable, and generally easier to access. |
2. Gooseneck Chassis (The Necessity for High-Cubes)
The gooseneck chassis is a specialized trailer designed to solve a critical logistical problem: transporting tall containers without violating road height limits (typically 13′ 6” in North America and other regions).
| Feature | Detail | Best For |
| Frame Design | Features a drop or recessed section at the front end that fits into the ‘tunnel’ recess found on the bottom of High-Cube containers. | High-Cube containers (9′ 6” tall). |
| Use Case | Essential for moving any 40ft or 45ft High-Cube unit. | 40ft High-Cube and 45ft High-Cube containers. |
| Pros | Lowers the container’s center of gravity, ensuring compliance with legal highway heights and improving stability. |
Drayage Tip: If you are moving a 9′ 6” High-Cube container, you must use a gooseneck chassis to keep the overall height under the standard 13′ 6” road clearance limit. Failure to do so can result in over-height fines and routing restrictions.
Specialized Chassis Types for Flexibility and Weight
Beyond the standard and gooseneck designs, specific shipping container trailer models are used to handle varying lengths and weights efficiently.
The Extendable (Slider) Chassis
This versatile trailer is designed to physically extend or contract in length, allowing it to securely accommodate various container sizes.
- Best For: Carriers who frequently switch between transporting 20ft, 40ft, and sometimes 45ft containers.
- Advantage: Maximizes fleet flexibility and reduces the need for a dedicated trailer for every size.
The Tri-Axle Chassis
A standard chassis features tandem axles (two axles at the back), but heavy cargo often requires more support.
- Best For: Hauling heavy, dense loads in 20ft or 40ft containers.
- Advantage: The addition of a third axle (Tri-Axle) helps distribute the cargo weight over a wider area, allowing the transport company to remain compliant with federal and state weight limits, especially gross vehicle weight (GVW) laws.
The Combo Chassis
A highly versatile unit, the Combo Chassis is built to carry different combinations of containers simultaneously, such as two 20ft units or one 40ft unit.
- Best For: Operators who need maximum utility and interchangeability across various container sizes and configurations.
- Advantage: High operational efficiency for logistics hubs handling diverse cargo volumes.
Matching the Trailer to Your Container
Choosing the right chassis for your shipping container trailer needs is critical for smooth operations and controlling costs.
| Container Size | Container Height | Recommended Chassis Type | Primary Reason |
| $20\text{ft}$ | Standard (8′ 6”) | 20ft Straight Frame or Slider | Efficiency and maneuverability. |
| $40\text{ft}$ Standard | Standard (8′ 6”) | 40ft Straight Frame | Standard haulage; simplest option. |
| $40\text{ft}$ High-Cube | High-Cube (9′ 6”) | 45ft Gooseneck Chassis | Required to clear legal road height limits. |
| $45\text{ft}$ High-Cube | High-Cube (9′ 6”) | 45ft Gooseneck Chassis (or Extendable) | Required to clear legal road height limits and accommodate length. |
Do you need a dedicated chassis to meet specific heavy-hauling needs, or are you looking for a versatile trailer that can handle all your container sizes?
- Explore Chassis Options: View our inventory of specialized container chassis and trailers built for various applications: Fredemi Chassis & Trailers Inventory
- Get Expert Logistics Advice: If you have questions about GVW limits or chassis specifications, Contact Fredemi’s Logistics Team for tailored drayage tips and equipment recommendations.
