Choosing the Right Chassis Type: Single, Tandem and Tri-Axle
Container length, cargo weight and route rules decide the chassis you need. This guide explains the common types and how the axle count affects where a chassis can go.
By DrayageChassis Editorial Team
Match the chassis to the container
Chassis are built for specific container lengths, such as 20 ft, 40 ft and 45 ft. The chassis must match the container you are moving. Check the length and the container type on the booking before you filter for a listing.
Some ocean containers are heavier than their length suggests. The total weight of the container and cargo has to stay within the chassis rating.
Single, tandem and tri-axle
A tandem chassis has two axles and is the most common choice for standard 20 ft and 40 ft containers. Tri-axle chassis have three axles and are used for heavier loads and 45 ft containers, where the extra axle spreads the weight.
More axles give more load capacity, but they also change the turning radius and the weight distribution on the truck. Confirm the axle count and the capacity on each listing before you rent.
Plan around weight rules
Each state and route can set its own limits on gross vehicle weight and axle spacing. Heavy loads may need a different chassis or a different route. The capacity shown on a listing is the chassis rating, so compare it with the total weight of the load.
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