Équipe d’ingénierie CHENLU | Mise à jour en octobre 2026
Réponse rapide : A container chassis, also called a skeleton ou bande-annonce de « Skeletal », is a semi-trailer frame without a deck, fitted with twist locks that lock onto the corner castings of an ISO shipping container. Because it has no deck, it is lighter than a flatbed, so more of the legal weight limit goes to cargo. It carries containers only.
How a container chassis works
The chassis is built from two main longitudinal beams joined by cross members. Twist locks sit at the points where container corners rest. The container is lifted on by a crane or reach stacker, lowered onto the locks, and the locks are turned to hold it in place. The container itself becomes the load-carrying body.
Main parts of a container chassis
| Part |
Fonction |
| Main beams |
Carry the load; high-strength steel keeps weight down while resisting twisting |
| Serrures à rotation |
Lock the container’s corner castings to the chassis |
| Baron |
Couples the chassis to the tractor’s fifth wheel (2″ or 3.5″) |
| Pied de support |
Supports the front when the chassis is uncoupled |
| Essieux et suspension |
Carry the load to the road; leaf spring suspension is common |
Types de châssis porte-conteneurs
- Châssis de 20 pieds : short wheelbase for single 20 ft containers and tight port yards.
- 40 ft chassis: carries one 40 ft or two 20 ft containers, the most common size.
- Extendable or 45 ft chassis: adjusts to different container lengths.
- Tipping chassis: lifts the container to unload bulk cargo through its rear doors.
- Gooseneck chassis: a lowered front section lets taller containers sit lower.
These are general industry types. Ask us which configurations we can build for your containers.
CHENLU 2 axle skeleton trailer: specifications
| Article |
Spécification |
| Charge utile maximale |
30 T |
| Conteneurs |
20 ft and 40 ft (45 ft on request) |
| Essieux |
2 × 13 dents FUWA |
| Suspension |
Ressort à lames |
| Serrures à rotation |
12 |
| Pied de support |
JOST E100 |
| Baron |
2″ (50 mm) or 3.5″ (90 mm) JOST |
| Taille |
To buyer’s request |
| Garantie |
2 ans |
The short wheelbase gives a tight turning radius for port work. See the Remorque squelette à 2 essieux page pour voir des photos et une vidéo.
Container chassis vs flatbed trailer
|
Container chassis (skeleton) |
Remorque à plateau |
| Plateau |
Sans plateau, cadre et verrous tournants uniquement |
Full flat deck plus twist locks |
| Fret |
Conteneurs ISO uniquement |
Conteneurs, acier, machines, marchandises en vrac |
| Poids à vide |
Le plus bas |
Plus élevé |
| Meilleur pour |
Ports et flottes dédiées au transport de conteneurs |
Mixed cargo and return loads |
Si vos camions reviennent à vide après avoir livré un conteneur, un plateau vous permet de transporter d'autres marchandises au retour. Si vous ne transportez que des conteneurs, le châssis plus léger offre une charge utile supérieure. Pour en savoir plus, consultez la Remorque à plateau ou remorque squelette.
Container chassis FAQ
Is a container chassis the same as a skeleton trailer?
Yes. Container chassis, skeleton trailer and skeletal trailer all describe a deckless semi-trailer frame with twist locks for ISO containers.
How much can a container chassis carry?
The CHENLU 2 axle skeleton trailer has a maximum payload of 30 T. Heavier containers need more axles; the legal payload depends on your road limits.
How many twist locks does a container chassis need?
Four locks hold one container. A 40 ft chassis that also carries two 20 ft containers needs more positions; the CHENLU skeleton trailer has 12.
Can a container chassis carry loose cargo?
No. It has no deck. For loose cargo, use a flatbed or sidewall trailer.
What size container chassis do I need?
Match the chassis to your containers: 20 ft, 40 ft (or two 20 ft), or 45 ft. Tell us your container mix and we will recommend the length and axle count.
Commandez un châssis porte-conteneurs
Comparez les options à châssis nu et à plateau sur notre page des remorques plateau et porte-conteneurs, ou nous contacter avec vos dimensions de conteneurs et votre itinéraire. Les tarifs sont directement fixés par l’usine et confirmés sur demande.