New Lightweight Marine Chassis for the Houston Market
Posted by Eric Haun
Monday, January 30, 2017
New lightweight marine chassis have been introduced by TRAC Intermodal for use in the Houston market. The new chassis, designed to help motor carriers move heavier container loads and still comply with vehicle weight regulations for U.S. roadways, will serve TRAC’s private pool and customer leases in Houston.
Motor carriers in the greater Gulf region want to move larger loads of ethylene-based plastic resins to meet growing export demand for this product. New factories have ramped up production in Texas and resin traders want to move as much freight as possible using special intermodal equipment. Lightweight chassis help carriers move resin by boosting freight capacity per load but still stay within DOT weight limits. Carriers are also using the lightweight chassis to transport other heavy commodities, such as retail products and lumber. Tare weights for a standard gooseneck container chassis are 6,500 pounds while TRAC’s lightweight marine chassis has a tare weight of 5,050 pounds.
“We believe there is a significant market for specialty equipment around the country, tied to various industry needs and time-of-year demands,” said Keith Lovetro, TRAC Intermodal’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We will continue to explore opportunities to develop and introduce high-quality, reliable equipment that is calibrated to the specific needs of our customers.”
TRAC said it developed this new chassis product with low-profile radial tires, aluminum wheels, a lighter frame, ABS brakes, GPS and LED lights. The majority of the units will be placed on longer-term leases with customers while the remainder will be used in TRAC’s private pool in Houston.