21 October 2026 CHENLU Engineering Team | Updated October 2026
Quick answer: A container chassis, also called a skeleton or skeletal trailer, 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.
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.
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Main beams | Carry the load; high-strength steel keeps weight down while resisting twisting |
| Twist locks | Lock the container’s corner castings to the chassis |
| Kingpin | Couples the chassis to the tractor’s fifth wheel (2″ or 3.5″) |
| Landing gear | Supports the front when the chassis is uncoupled |
| Axles and suspension | Carry the load to the road; leaf spring suspension is common |
These are general industry types. Ask us which configurations we can build for your containers.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Max payload | 30 T |
| Containers | 20 ft and 40 ft (45 ft on request) |
| Axles | 2 × 13T FUWA |
| Suspension | Leaf spring |
| Twist locks | 12 |
| Landing gear | JOST E100 |
| Kingpin | 2″ (50 mm) or 3.5″ (90 mm) JOST |
| Size | To buyer’s request |
| Warranty | 2 years |
The short wheelbase gives a tight turning radius for port work. See the 2 Axle Skeleton Trailer page for photos and video.
| Container chassis (skeleton) | Flatbed trailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | No deck, frame and twist locks only | Full flat deck plus twist locks |
| Cargo | ISO containers only | Containers, steel, machinery, bulk goods |
| Tare weight | Lowest | Higher |
| Best for | Ports and dedicated container fleets | Mixed cargo and return loads |
If your trucks return empty after delivering a container, a flatbed lets you carry other cargo on the way back. If you only move containers, the lighter chassis carries more payload. Read more in Flatbed Trailer vs Skeleton Trailer.
Yes. Container chassis, skeleton trailer and skeletal trailer all describe a deckless semi-trailer frame with twist locks for ISO containers.
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.
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.
No. It has no deck. For loose cargo, use a flatbed or sidewall trailer.
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.
Compare skeleton and flatbed options on our flatbed and container trailer page, or contact us with your container sizes and route. Pricing is factory-direct and confirmed on inquiry.
A container chassis (skeleton trailer) is a lightweight frame with twist locks for ISO containers. See 20/40 ft types, capacity and flatbed differences.
Fixed gooseneck, removable gooseneck, folding gooseneck and multi-axle lowbed trailers compared: loading method, capacity and the equipment each suits.
We will reply you within 24 hours. If for urgent case, please add WhatsApp/WeChat: 86-15628801159,. Or call 86-15628801159 directly.
*We respect your confidentiality and all information are protected.
We will only use your information to respond to your inquiry and will never send unsolicited emails or promotional messages.
