Intermodal chassis are revolutionizing the containerized shipping industry by providing a more efficient and cost-effective way to transport goods. Traditionally, shipping containers were transported on flatbed trailers, which required a crane or forklift to load and unload the container from the trailer. This process was time-consuming and expensive, requiring additional labor and equipment to complete.
Intermodal chassis, on the other hand, are specialized trailers designed specifically for carrying shipping containers. They have built-in twist locks that secure the container to the chassis, allowing for quick and easy loading and unloading without the need for additional equipment. This reduces the time and labor required for container handling, resulting in faster turnaround times and lower costs.
How Containerized Shipping Was Traditionally Done?
Traditionally, containerized shipping was done with flatbed trailers. These trailers were specifically designed to transport cargo that could be secured on the trailer’s flatbed using straps or chains. To transport shipping containers, the trailer would require a crane or forklift to lift the container on and off the flatbed.
The process of loading and unloading containers onto flatbed trailers was time-consuming and required additional equipment and labor. This method also had several inefficiencies, such as:
Additional Equipment and Labor – As mentioned, traditional flatbed trailers required additional equipment such as cranes and forklifts to load and unload containers. This added additional expenses to the shipping process and could lead to delays in transport.
Limited Capacity – Flatbed trailers were not designed specifically for shipping containers and had limited capacity. This meant that only a limited number of containers could be transported at a time, leading to longer transport times and increased costs.
Container Security – Flatbed trailers did not have built-in locking mechanisms to secure the containers during transport, making it easier for containers to shift and move during transit. This could cause damage to the containers and their contents, leading to costly repairs and delays in delivery.
Limited Flexibility – Traditional flatbed trailers were not designed for the transportation of different container sizes or to be used with different modes of transportation, limiting the flexibility of the shipping process.
The traditional method of containerized shipping using flatbed trailers was less efficient, less secure, and less flexible compared to the use of intermodal chassis, which have revolutionized the containerized shipping industry.
How Intermodal Chassis Are Changing The Game?
Intermodal chassis have had a positive impact on containerized shipping by providing a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable way to transport goods. By reducing handling time and costs, improving flexibility and accessibility, and increasing safety and sustainability, intermodal chassis are becoming an increasingly popular choice for shippers and carriers alike.
In addition to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, intermodal chassis offer several other benefits for containerized shipping:
Flexibility: Â Intermodal chassis also offer flexibility in transporting different container sizes and modes of transportation. Intermodal chassis can transport a variety of container sizes, including 20-foot, 40-foot, and 45-foot containers, providing flexibility to accommodate different types of cargo.
Accessibility: Intermodal chassis are designed to be used with rail, barge, and truck transportation, making it easier to move containers between different modes of transportation.
Safety: Intermodal chassis are specifically designed to handle the weight and dimensions of shipping containers, ensuring safe and secure transport.
Sustainability: Intermodal chassis can be used repeatedly, reducing the need for new trailers and decreasing the carbon footprint of the transportation industry.
Overall, intermodal chassis are changing the game for containerized shipping by providing a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable way to transport goods. By reducing handling time and costs, improving flexibility and accessibility, and increasing safety and sustainability, intermodal chassis are becoming an increasingly popular choice for shippers and carriers alike.
