CIE Manufacturing

When it comes to the logistics industry, understanding the difference between various types of trailers is crucial for efficiency and safety. One key distinction to make is between Intermodal Chassis Trailers and other types of trailers used for transporting goods. Intermodal Chassis are specifically designed for transporting intermodal containers, which are used for the global transportation of goods by sea, rail, and truck. While the term “chassis” refers to the frame structure of these trailers, it’s important to know how to identify an Intermodal Chassis Trailer from other types of trailers in use, such as dry van trailers.

Defining Intermodal Equipment (IME)

Intermodal equipment (IME) is defined as any trailing equipment that facilitates the movement of intermodal containers over public highways in interstate commerce. IME most commonly refers to Intermodal Chassis, although in some cases, it can include intermodal trailers as well. Although trailers and chassis serve similar purposes in transporting containers, distinguishing between them can be challenging without a keen understanding of their structural differences and identifying features.

Both Intermodal Chassis and containers can have specific markings and components that set them apart from other types of trailers. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these features help identify the equipment used for intermodal transportation. For example, while an intermodal container is not part of the IME, the information found on its doors can help distinguish between an IME chassis and a van trailer.

Unique Structural Features

Chassis Components

Key Differences Between an Intermodal Chassis and a Van Trailer

While both Intermodal Chassis and van trailers are used for transporting containers, there are key structural and identifying differences that make it easy to distinguish between the two.

Unique Structural Features of Intermodal Chassis Trailers

An Intermodal Chassis Trailer has a few distinctive structural features that set it apart from other trailers:

  • Twist Locks: Twist locks are a defining characteristic of Intermodal Chassis. These safety devices secure ISO containers to the chassis to ensure that the container remains stable and secure during transit. Twist locks can be found on the lower corners of the Intermodal Chassis, and they are used to lock the container in place. In contrast, van trailers do not typically have these twist locks because they are designed for general cargo, not for intermodal container transport.
  • Long Beam Underneath the Container Floor: Another identifying feature of an IME chassis is the large beam that runs the length of the chassis, located under the container floor. This beam provides structural integrity and support to the container during transport. This feature is not usually present on standard van trailers, making it another easy way to identify an Intermodal Chassis.

Detailed Information on Intermodal Containers

An intermodal container, which is transported using an Intermodal Chassis, often has detailed specifications that can be found on the rear doors of the container, including weight, cubic capacity, and maximum gross weight. This level of detail is not commonly found on van trailers, making it another distinguishing characteristic when identifying IME chassis.

Reflective Markings on IME Chassis

Another difference between Intermodal Chassis Trailers and other trailers, like dry van trailers, is the placement of reflective markings. IME Chassis are equipped with retro-reflective tape, which enhances visibility during nighttime and inclement weather such as rain and fog. The reflective tape is generally applied along the chassis itself, rather than on the container it carries. On the other hand, reflective tape on van trailers is typically applied to the walls of the trailer. This subtle difference in reflective tape placement can be a clear indicator of an Intermodal Chassis Trailer.

Why Choose CIE Manufacturing for Your Intermodal Chassis Needs?

At CIE Manufacturing, we take pride in producing high-quality Intermodal Chassis Trailers that stand out in the intermodal transportation industry. Our Chassis Trailers are designed and manufactured using the best materials and processes to ensure they meet the highest standards of durability and safety.

  1. North American Made, Globally Sourced

CIE Manufacturing is committed to delivering superior products that are both North American made and globally sourced. We use only top-of-the-line components in the assembly of our Intermodal Chassis to ensure that our products are not only reliable but also built to last. The materials we source are carefully selected for their strength and resistance to wear and tear, providing our customers with trailers that stand the test of time.

  1. State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facilities

CIE Manufacturing operates from advanced manufacturing facilities on both the East Coast (Virginia) and West Coast (California) of the United States as well as in Ontario, Canada.  Our fully renovated location in Virginia is dedicated to producing top-tier Intermodal Chassis with cutting-edge equipment and advanced technologies. This investment in our facilities ensures that we can meet the growing demand for Chassis Trailers and other intermodal equipment while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

  1. A Nationwide Dealer Network

To better serve our customers, CIE Manufacturing has developed an extensive dealer network across the United States. This network allows us to provide our high-quality Intermodal Chassis to customers throughout the country, ensuring that our products are easily accessible to those who rely on them for efficient intermodal transportation.

  1. Commitment to Safety and Affordability

At CIE Manufacturing, safety is our top priority. We produce Intermodal Chassis Trailers with the latest safety features, including reliable twist locks and reflective markings, to ensure that your containers remain secure during transit. Furthermore, we strive to offer our products at competitive prices, so our customers can enjoy the best in quality without breaking the bank.

  1. Long-Lasting Durability

Durability is another key feature that sets CIE Manufacturing’s Chassis Trailers apart from the competition. Our Intermodal Chassis are built to withstand the rigors of the road, offering long-lasting performance that you can count on. Whether you’re transporting goods across the country or across state lines, our Intermodal Chassis are up to the task.

Conclusion

When it comes to intermodal transportation, identifying the right equipment is essential. Intermodal Chassis Trailers are designed with unique structural features like twist locks and reflective markings that distinguish them from standard trailers like dry van trailers. Understanding these differences can help ensure that you’re using the right equipment for your transportation needs.