Luyi Vehicle-Custom Semi Trailers & Truck Manufacturer Since 2019.
How should a skeleton semi-trailer be used?
Recently, many friends have been asking me how to choose the specifications of skeleton semi-trailers and container chassis. I will write a special article about it. If you find it helpful, please share it with your friends.
Definition and Usage：
Skeleton semi-trailer is a special type of semi-trailer designed specifically for container transportation. Its structure consists of high-strength steel longitudinal beams, crossbeams and outriggers. It has no enclosed body and standard containers are directly fixed by twist locks. It is mainly applied in multimodal transport of ports, railways and highways, and is one of the core equipment of the modern logistics system.
Core features：
Lightweight design
Made of high-strength steel or aluminum alloy, the no-load weight is reduced by 15% to 20% compared with ordinary flatbed trucks, significantly increasing the one-way cargo capacity.
Typical self-weight range: 6.5-8 tons (for 40-foot models).
Modular structure
It is compatible with ISO standard containers of 20ft, 40ft, 45ft, etc
Some models are equipped with extendable gooseneck, which is compatible with cabinets of different heights
Efficient loading and unloading
Hydraulic outriggers assist in rapid disengagement
Standard equipped with 4 to 8 sets of automatic rotary locking devices for container loading and unloading
Maximize the efficiency of loading and unloading
20 40 45 Ft Container Chassis Specifications：
| Specification | 20ft Container Chassis | 40ft Container Chassis | 45ft Container Chassis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 6.1m (20') | 12.2m (40') | 13.7m (45') |
| Width | 2.5m (8'2") | 2.5m (8'2") | 2.5m (8'2") |
| Height (Empty) | 1.2-1.5m | 1.2-1.5m | 1.2-1.5m |
| Max Payload Capacity | 30-35 metric tons | 32-38 metric tons | 35-42 metric tons |
| Tare Weight | 3.8-4.5 tons | 5.2-6.0 tons | 6.0-6.8 tons |
| Axle Configuration | 2 or 3 axles | 3 axles (standard) | 3 or 4 axles |
| Wheelbase | 3.6-4.2m | 6.8-7.5m | 7.8-8.5m |
| Suspension | Mechanical or air suspension | Air suspension (standard) | Air suspension (heavy duty) |
| Turning Radius | ~10.5m | ~12.8m | ~14.2m |
| Max Speed (Loaded) | 90-100 km/h | 85-95 km/h | 80-90 km/h |
How Much Does a Container Chassis Weigh?
| Chassis Type | Tare Weight (Empty) | Max Payload Capacity | Common Axle Config. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard | 3.8-4.5 metric tons | 30-35 metric tons | 2 axles |
| 20ft Heavy-Duty | 4.2-5.0 metric tons | 35-40 metric tons | 3 axles |
| 40ft Standard | 5.2-6.0 metric tons | 32-38 metric tons | 3 axles |
| 40ft Extendable | 6.0-6.8 metric tons | 38-45 metric tons | 3-4 axles |
The height of the multimodal transport chassis trailer is 1550mm. Regardless of the platform size or load capacity, this figure is usually the same. When you need to load more goods, we will expand the platform, strengthen the chassis and crossbeams, and add more axles to enhance its load-bearing capacity instead of increasing the height.
The greatest advantage of this design is that it can pass through all narrow areas without considering height restrictions, which also makes container chassis the most popular mode in ports and warehouses.