Container chassis, flatbed, and gooseneck are types of shipping container trailers.
They are a vital part of the delivery and transportation system, providing a standard way to transport containers between ships, trains, and trucks.
Container trailers improve efficiency in cargo transportation and logistics in several ways. They allow the use of standard containers, which makes loading and unloading easier. This can save time and money, as well as reduce the risk of damage to goods.
Designed to be strong and durable, they can withstand the rigors of long-distance transportation.
With a trailer, you can maneuver your container easily, which can help speed up the cargo handling process. This is especially important in congested areas, such as ports and warehouses.
To know the differences between several trailer types, such as container chassis, flatbed, & gooseneck, find out in this article!
Contents
Container Chassis
Container chassis increase efficiency and reduce waste by being made of lightweight materials that are durable enough to hold heavy containers. Their primary function is to provide a stable and secure platform for transporting containers over long distances by road.
Chassis are integral to the smooth flow of goods in the global supply chain. With a chassis, you can move containers without having to unload them first.
Container chassis have several key features to make them suitable for carrying and handling containers, they are:
- Twist Lock: To attach containers, ensuring safe and secure transportation. Twist locks are commonly used and allow for quick attachment and detachment of containers.
- Steel Frame Structure: Makes the chassis strong enough to support stability during transit and withstand the weight and stress of loaded containers.
- Single or Tandem Axles: Critical for supporting the weight and ensuring proper distribution of the load.
- Suspension System: The chassis has air suspension for a smoother ride. It goes well with heavier containers as it reduces wear on both the chassis and the container.
- Wheels and Tires: Container chassis have large, durable wheels to support heavy loads and handle the rigors of transport.
- Brake System: Most container chassis use Air Brakes for efficient braking when the vehicle is carrying heavy loads.
- Rear Bumper or End Frame: The bumper can reduce the risk of damage in case of collisions. Meanwhile, the end frame protects the container’s rear end during loading and unloading. It also provides a mounting point for the braking system.
- Lighting and Reflectors: Container chassis has headlights, brake lights, reflectors, and turn signals to ensure visibility and safety during transport.
- Weight Distribution and Load Support: Container chassis can evenly distribute the weight of the container across the axles to ensure proper balance and reduce the risk of tipping, thanks to its strengthened rails and supports.
- Adjustable Components: Some chassis are designed to be extendable for larger containers, providing the flexibility to handle containers longer than the standard 40’.
Gooseneck
A gooseneck trailer is known for its superior stability, higher weight capacity, and tighter turning radius compared to bumper-pull trailers. The trailer connects to a gooseneck hitch in the bed of a pickup truck, rather than a bumper hitch.
It’s not a type of trailer, but rather a design modification of the container chassis or trailer bed that allows the front of the container to sit lower – hence the name “gooseneck container.”
It is known for its superior stability, higher weight capacity, and tighter turning radius compared to bumper-pull trailers. The key features of a gooseneck trailer are:
- Hitch Connection: Attaches over the rear axle of a pickup via a ball hitch mounted in the truck bed.
- Increased Stability: Because the hitch is over the truck’s rear axle, it handles heavy loads better and sways less.
- Higher Payload Capacity: Can legally carry much heavier loads than bumper-pull trailers.
- Longer Trailer Lengths: Commonly available from 20 to 40+ feet.
- Tighter Turning Radius: Easier to maneuver in tight spaces compared to a bumper-pull.
A gooseneck container is typically used in shipping and transportation when you need to carry high cube containers on a trailer without exceeding legal height limits. A gooseneck trailer drops the front of the chassis lower to keep total vehicle height within legal road limits (usually around 13’6″ in many regions).
You can also use this to transport livestock, lumber, hay bales, and machinery.
Flatbed
A flatbed cart or platform cart is used in warehouses, workshops, stores, and delivery settings to move heavy or bulky items over short distances. Its design is simple but effective, and it comes with key features such as:
- Flat, Open Platform: Flatbed cart has a large, sturdy deck that allows for versatile cargo loading. Moreover, it does not have any sides or a roof, so items of various shapes and sizes fit easily.
- Heavy-Duty Wheels (Casters): Flatbed cart is equipped with 2 swivel and 2 fixed wheels for balance and steering, made of rubber, polyurethane, or pneumatic tires.
- Strong Load Capacity: With a wide range of capacities, it can support 300 to 3,000+ lbs. This makes them ideal for boxes, furniture, equipment, and raw materials.
- Durable Frame Construction: Usually made of steel for industrial strength or aluminum for lightweight maneuverability.
- Push or Pull Handle: For easy movement. However, some have fold-down or removable handles for compact storage, and dual-handle carts that allow push/pull control from either end.
- Braking System or Wheel Locks (Optional): Some of them come with locking casters to prevent rolling when stationary. They also have safety brakes to help secure heavy loads during loading/unloading.
- Customizable Features: The customizable options include non-slip deck surfaces, stacking frames, side rails, foldable decks, and multi-shelf versions.
Use a flatbed cart when you are moving materials or stock within a warehouse, factory, or retail space. You can also use this when you need a mobile surface for short-distance transport. However, a flatbed is not stackable and not ISO-compliant.
Tilt Trailer
A tilt trailer is a type of trailer that features a tilting bed, allowing it to be inclined downward at an angle so that equipment or vehicles can be loaded and unloaded without the need for ramps.
It is because a container tilt trailer features a hydraulic or mechanical tilt mechanism that allows the trailer bed to tilt backward.
This means that tilt is perfect when you’re delivering or picking up containers in areas without a crane or forklift.
It is commonly used for hauling construction equipment, towing vehicles or race cars, and moving heavy machinery.
The key features of a tilt trailer are:
- Hydraulic or gravity tilt mechanism: The bed tilts by either a hydraulic system or by gravity when a latch is released.
- Ramp-free loading: Since the trailer tilts to the ground, you don’t need separate ramps.
- Low-angle loading: Makes it easier and safer to load low-clearance equipment like cars, lawnmowers, or skid steers.
There are 2 types of tilt trailers. The first one is the full tilt Trailer, where the entire bed can be tilted for loading. The second one is partial tilt, only a portion of the deck tilts, while the rest remains stationary (useful for storing other tools or equipment).
The common uses of a tilt trailer are for hauling containers to/from ports or depots and delivering containers to job sites (construction, storage, etc.).
Conclusion
If you want to buy a container trailer, we have container chassis available for rent or purchase.
The primary advantage of using Container Chassis over other transportation is that it allows drivers to move containers without having to unload them first.
Transport containers over long distances between ports, distribution centers, 3PL warehouses, and terminals with our brand-new 40’ Container Chassis. Our experienced staff is ready to help you arrange the shipping of your container chassis to your requested location. Fill out our quote form to buy or rent from us!