Shipping which is mostly done through the use of containers can be complex especially where different container sizes are used.
You will find out that some of these containers need special towing vehicles and trailers owing to their size in terms of length and width.
Container chassis trailers provide solutions in order to take up different container types and sizes.
Other factors leading to the making of the container chassis include government laws and regulations on the transportation industry.
These regulations define the distance from the front to the rear wheels for all heavy-duty vehicles and must be followed in any design and manufacture.
Most important to note about container chassis trailers is the fact that they come in different types and that includes both robust and lightweight options.
This is because of the reason that there those that are used in heavyweight applications and the others are used in lightweight operations.
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Table of Contents
One. Basic Specifications of Container Chassis Trailer
Container chassis trailers come in different shapes and sizes. There are major components and systems that you will find in each one of them and this will be useful in helping you determine which trailer to buy or hire.
It depends on your needs and the regulations set by the authorities in that jurisdiction. Here are the basic defining characteristics and specifications of a container chassis trailer:
- Size: Container chassis trailers come in different sizes to take containers with dimensions of 20ft or 40ft. There are also those suited to carry 45ft containers and could be a perfect fit for you to take up more cargo if the laws from your local authorities allow.
- Load capacity: The loading capacity for our trailers ranges from 20 tons – 40 tons. For heavyweight applications, you may want to consider having the 40 tons option. However, the 20 tons option could just be enough for most containers that you want to transport. This is a very important aspect to look at in your choice for a container chassis trailer.
- Axles: Based on the axle configuration, you will commonly get one that uses 2 axles for 30 tons capacity. For this option, the maximum weight of the 40ft container is 25tons. We can also customize 3-axle container chassis for different demands. All these options will be made available to you based on your needs.
- Tires: Always confirm the laws and regulations concerning the tire-configuration allowed in your country. Some countries only allow the single tire option and that means it needs the reasonable distribution of tires for the trailer if that is the option you will choose.
- Design: Owing to its application and use, the container chassis trailer is constructed of high strength material such as Grade50 [345] and Grade80 [550] steel. It is a robust structure designed and constructed to get you the services you need without many Fabrication is done through quality welding techniques that are tried and tested to ensure that the trailer meets high standards of quality.
Two. Different Models of Container Chassis Trailers
There are different designs for container chassis trailers based on their application and use. Each one of them is drawn from the desired transportation means and where it will be used.
This gives you guidance on what type of container chassis trailer you should buy. One option may call for the stacking of containers together whereas others are transported one by one along the road.
These containers are also transported on railways and that means the material and design of the trailer should somehow match other platforms used for transportation of containers.
Container trailer’s structure is also guided by the transportation regulation of the local authorities. In some countries, the maximum container height is usually provided regardless of whether stacked or transported one at a given time.
Here are the different models that you will find in the industry today:
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2.1 Common Trailer
This is normally a simple fixed structure without much sophistication used to carry and transport containers from one point to another.
The framework is usually made of steel. This is where the containers get loaded and offloaded through the use of overhead cranes.
It can be used for the transportation of containers of various lengths: 20ft, 40ft or 45ft.
It comes with well-marked positions showing you where you can load your container making it easy to secure it and get it to its destination safety.
The common container trailer chassis is easy to use and affordable. However, you will need auxiliary equipment such as the overhead cranes for loading and offloading the containers from the chassis.
2.2 Tilt Container Chassis
The striking feature with the tilt container chassis trailer is a mechanism that makes it easy to unload the container.
That means it comes with a somewhat different structure from other types of container trailers.
There are apparatus added as modifications to the conventional chassis trailer models further simplifying the process of offloading cargo from the container.
Ideally, the Tilt Container Chassis comprises upper and lower frames attached by way of a pivot device. In such an arrangement, no external equipment will be required for offloading cargo from the container.
The hydraulic system mounted on the upper platform facilitates the offloading process causing the container to tilt upwards to offload cargo.
Obviously, the features of the tilt container chassis come at an additional cost. However, it presents a very convenient option for use in the transportation of cargo using containers.
It is definitely one of the safest means of offloading shipping containers. There is a roller situated at the upper frame, some distance from the pivot device connecting it to the lower frame.
The roller rotates around the point of mounting on the upper frame. Movement of the roller can now be realized in relation to the lower frame.
The trailer comes with an hydraulic lifting cylinder that contracts longitudinally to facilitate loading and on the other hand, they extend in an outward manner to enhance the offloading process.
The pivotal drive on the upper frame translates to a change in the distance between the roller and the securement point of the cable in relation to the lower frame.
This results in the lift and movement of the loaded container without the need to search for external equipment such as a winch device to trigger the desired distance.
2.3 Extendable Container Chassis
This type of container chassis can adapt to the different size of containers.
It functions in a similar manner to the load positioning chassis but can be extended at the back to take up a much bigger container than when it is in its contracted position.
Therefore, the extendable container chassis can either be long or short based on the prevailing operations need. This is the typical container chassis trailer to go for varying container lengths in your operations.
Adjustments can be done with already provided mechanisms to facilitate the creation of platforms of different sizes for different types of containers.
While making the adjustments to the container chassis, it is always advisable to remember the need to have a greater chassis length than the size of the container or load.
With this type of structure, you can transport a sealed container across different countries and states because of the ability to make adjustments to meet the local standards set for it.
A lot of room can be created for the safe transportation of containers through this type of chassis.
Loading on the frame must be placed at the bed center to keep the entire trailer in a stable and balanced position. It is much easier to load containers occupying almost the entire length of the bed than one that does not.
Therefore, it is important to consider this factor when making adjustments to the chassis.
Despite the challenges that may cause other vehicles to stop on highways to allow the trailer at times, this is a unique solution that allows you to handle loads of different times.
Conclusion
Anyone doing imports or exports will definitely need to use a container chassis trailer. It is the intermediary between other means of transportation and the cargo’s destination.
Based on the weight and size of cargo to be transported, one can choose from the various container chassis trailers designed for different applications and use.
There are those with a simple design of locking the container on the chassis with locks ready for transportation and those with adjustable chassis to fit different sizes of containers.
Whether taking heavyweight or lightweight cargo, you will get to find a container chassis trailer suited for your needs. Every choice is suitably made to get you the most economically feasible option to use.
The different types of container chassis trailers can take containers of either 20ft or 40ft and even 45ft. This guideline is meant to help you make the right choice of the trailer for your operations.