Safety Issues Involving Marine Containers on Chassis

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. 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.