Tank container chassis were specifically designed with a lower deck (typically 40”) to hold ISO Tank containers containing both hazardous and non-hazardous bulk liquids. Due to their shifting contents, tanks are at greater risk for turn-over accidents. The drop frame of the tank chassis has a lower center of gravity to compensate for this propensity. In addition, the longer length of the tank chassis allows for it to legally scale most loaded tanks. Like a standard container chassis, the tank container chassis has bolsters and twist locks to provide a secure mounting mechanism and eliminate the need for straps or chains. The standard dimensions make it one more component in the intermodal world. Thus, not only can tank chassis be used to transport tanks, but also 20 ft. containers, especially well suited for those hauling flexi-bags or flexitanks.

The original design and standard is the closed tandem drop frame chassis. This chassis is capable of effectively hauling most tank containers and is more readily found on the used market. Tri-axle tank container chassis have a higher GVWR (42,000 lbs. over the rear axle) enabling them to carry heavier product loads. The spread axle tank chassis offers the lighter tare weight accomplished by only two axles, but due to its axle spread it too can legally scale many of the heavy weight tanks, typically a GVWR of 80,000 lbs.

Most recently added to the list is 31 ft. drop frame chassis especially suited for tank transport in the Caribbean and Latin America. The short length of the drop frame chassis also makes it ideal for in-plant usage. Overall the drop frame tank container chassis is the only safe and legal way to transport all your hazardous and non-hazardous bulk liquid cargos in tank containers. Please contact us today for availability on new or used tank chassis.

The container chassis was manufactured as a light weight frame with a rear suspension and bolsters that had standardized twist locks on the ends. The frame of the chassis are not as beefy as their cousins the flatbed trailers, being that the the container frames themselves are self supporting loads, and so the weight is evenly distributed over the frame. Now chassis come in varied lengths (20 ft., 40 ft., 45 ft., 53 ft.), axle configurations (closed tandem, spread tandem, tri-axle, quad- axle), bolster configurations (2 bolster fixed, 8 pin, 12 pin), and suspension configurations (fixed, slider, spring, air ride) to name a few differences. Which type is right for your payloads?

ISO Tank containerss in the USA are typically 20 ft. long x 8 ft. 6 in high x 8 ft. wide. They come in a variety of capacities largely suited for the cargo they carry (12,000L, 14,500L, 21,000L, 24,000L etc.). The tank itself is manufactured out of stainless steel, namely 316L. The frame dimensions are ISO standards also to allow for the tank to be easily mounted on ship, train, or chassis. T11 ISO Tank containers have an 8 ft. tall ladder along the sides that allow access to the top of the container. Due to the cylindrical shape of the tank, they are outfitted with aluminum catwalks so that operators can access the different valves. Most tanks have a 20” manlid for filling with product and a bottom discharge valve to best use gravity feed. Tanks can be outfitted with cladding and insulation and steam heat systems to keep their products heated to a certain degree. Most T11 tanks are chemical tanks or hazmat tank containers for bulk liquid loads. Other specialty ISO tanks are outfitted with cooling systems and insulation to keep certain chemicals or food products such as milk in a refrigerated state, these are called Food Grade ISO Tank Containers. Please see some examples below.

Tanks in accordance with:  UN PORTABLE TANK 11/ADR TANK L4BN, US-DOT, CFR 49, UK-DFT, IMDG, ADR/RID, TC, FRA, AAR600, ISO 1496/3, CSC, TIR, UIC

Trailers are used for a wide diversity of cargo including pipe, oilfield equipment, logging products, and many containerized cargo that need to be fitted to a substantial frame. We have custom built and designed many trailers for new and emerging industries, resulting from ingenious uses for standard steel containers. Whether you are looking for a standard flatbed or drop deck trailer, logging trailer, or something uniquely suited to haul your specialized machinery, contact us today for more information. Also, click here to view our before and after modifications and our custom built trailers.