Safety issues involving marine containers on chassis.
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2009-01-01
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Abstract:This study performed by The University of Tennessee investigated safety related problems involving chassis used for transporting marine containers on US highways. In recent years, much concern has arisen regarding the safety implications of allegedly substandard container chassis maintenance and inspection practices. This recognition is reflected in the recent effort to pass federal legislation mandating more effective container chassis inspection. Marine container volumes are growing with the unprecedented increase in foreign trade. While containers on chassis constitute a small proportion of heavy truck traffic nationally, containers account for a high percentage of truck traffic on highways around major ports. Domestic use of containers is also increasing in popularity, albeit at a lesser rate than international shipments. This study focuses on the marine container, which presently accounts for the majority of container usage. A container chassis consists of a frame, wheels, axles, suspension system, braking system, safety appliances, and other components necessary for highway transport of a container. Figure 1 shows a typical chassis loaded with a container. Marine chassis usually are owned by steamship lines (ocean carriers), but are handled and transported by other entities such as seaports, drayage companies, and railroad companies. Figure 2 shows a collection of chassis of various owners awaiting loading at an intermodal terminal. There also are pools of chassis owned or managed by different groups. Regardless, the major issue with the chassis is maintaining its roadability or suitability for use over the highway in conformance with regulatory requirements and accepted industry standards.
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