What is a Tank Container Chassis?
Tank containers are transported on tank container chassis (also called drop frame chassis) and are used for the transport and storage of bulk liquids in tank containers or Flexi-bags. Most are designed for intermodal transport with some models used for short hauls (closed tandems) and in-plant storage. Special design features make these tank container chassis particularly useful for loads that are prone to shifting during transport, such as bulk liquids.
A tank container chassis has a lower deck height, which gives the equipment and it’s load a lower center of gravity, improving stability and reducing the likelihood of a roll-over.
Newer ISO Tank Chassis Increases Revenue and Reduces Driver Downtime
One avoided road call covers the cost of a few months’ rent.
Penn Intermodal Leasing LLC maintains an inventory of the largest and youngest rental fleet of tank container chassis in the country. Younger equipment is manufactured with stronger materials that are lightweight and optimized for freight weight distribution in order to haul larger, heavier loads.
It also stands to reason that newer a tank chassis has fewer breakdowns and results in less downtime. Your freight gets delivered faster, and driver productivity increases since they cover more miles with fewer interruptions. You’ll spend less time rescuing stranded drivers and freight.
Tank Container Chassis Leasing from Penn
Penn Intermodal Leasing LLC’s tank container chassis have proven designs and are all equipped with OEM tires, which significantly reduce expensive and time-consuming breakdowns and blowouts. Recap tires are never used. Penn also has rigorous quality standards and all tank chassis (except direct from the factory models) are inspected by accredited surveyors prior to lease.
The size and diversity of our inventory of bulk liquid chassis mean we will have the chassis you need when you need it, and at a location near you. See our Locations Map.
We maintain excellent relationships with our vendors and manufacturers so that you can get quality service and seasoned technical support.
Selecting the right tank chassis is a key component to servicing your customer, delivering your product safely, keeping your driver’s happy, and maximizing profits.
Drop Frame ISO Tank Chassis Models
Spreadaxle Drop Frame Chassis Provides a Smoother Ride Over Long Distances
The spreadaxle Drop Frame chassis (a.k.a. the tandem wide-spread axle chassis) is currently one of the most popular liquid bulk hauling chassis on the market. This axle configuration was developed to provide additional hauling capacity over the closed tandem chassis, without the added weight of a third axle. These benefits were obtained by separating or “spreading” the axles. A wide-spread chassis evenly spreads the load weight of the cargo improving flexibility and providing stability for bulk liquids during transport. Drivers like the spreadaxle chassis model often commenting that it provides a smoother ride over long distance.
Triaxle Drop Frame Chassis with Extendable Slider
The Triaxle Drop Frame Chassis with Extendable Slider (a.k.a. “The Triaxle Slider Chassis”) provides the same stability for heavy liquid bulk hauling as the standard triaxle model shown above. This chassis with the slider extended operates at a length of 41-feet. However, with the slider tucked in the chassis length is 31’feet offering convenience and ease of storage.
Hi-Lo Drop Frame Tank Chassis
The Hi-Lo Drop Frame Tank Chassis is a type of spreadaxle chassis configured to move two (2) empty or one (1) loaded ISO Tank Container. This optimizes return trips where ISO tank containers are returned empty after dropping off full container loads.
Closed-Tandem Drop Frames
Closed tandem Drop Frames, like all Drop Frame chassis have a lower center of gravity than the container chassis to provide greater stability for liquid bulk products. Closed tandem chassis tend to be older models as design improvements in axle configuration have gained in popularity. However, these chassis are still accepted on nearly all roadways and work well for local driving and in-plant storage.
Triaxle Drop Frame Chassis Handle Heavier Weight Loads
The triaxle chassis is able to transport the heaviest liquid bulk cargo allowed by permit through the addition of a third axle and four (4) more tires. The triaxle accommodates the additional weight of heavier loads by distributing the weight over the load-bearing frame and tires.
However, the additional axle adds to the overall tare weight of the chassis. This additional weight and tire surface area is beneficial when transporting heavy payloads in potentially adverse weather, but it must also be considered during route planning to maintain compliance with bridge laws.
FAQs about Tank Container Chassis
Do you lease / sell marine or dry box chassis?
No, Penn Intermodal Leasing does not lease or sell marine or dry box chassis, also known as container chassis. This business unit was sold in 2015. Penn Intermodal Leasing does offer ISO tank dropframe chassis for lease.
Do you have ISO tank containers for lease?
ISO tank containers availability is extremely limited, please call 888-909-PENN for current inventory.
Ready to Order Your Tank Container Chassis?
Contact us today or give us a call at1-888-909-PENN to get started!
