OCEMA’s coordinated framework for the historic transition of U.S. intermodal chassis operations — from ocean carrier provision to motor carrier and pool-based models.
The United States has always been an anomaly worldwide in terms of providing chassis for the movement of intermodal containers. The general practice in other countries is that intermodal chassis are provided by motor carriers, terminals, or shippers. For reasons having to do with the development of intermodalism for ocean-borne containers in the U.S., chassis are generally provided by ocean carriers — despite the fact that carriers rarely have physical control of the chassis, as they are typically in the care and custody of motor carriers, rail or marine terminals, or shippers.
Over time, a number of ocean carriers have announced plans to change the way they provide intermodal chassis — limiting or eliminating their role in chassis provision for inland transport. OCEMA is committed to working with carriers and other stakeholders to seek to ensure any transition occurs as smoothly as possible.
OCEMA believes that changing the chassis provisioning model to the standard used worldwide will lead to a more efficient, safer, environmentally sound, and cost-effective intermodal transport system in the United States. However, there is “no one size fits all” approach to providing chassis. Each ocean carrier will independently determine the best approach based on individual circumstances, customer needs, commercial objectives, and operational requirements.
Greater operational efficiency and better chassis management throughout the supply chain
Reduced time lost through the interchange process for motor carriers
Multiple sources of supply encouraged, reducing systemic risk
Environmental benefits from reduced congestion, idle time, and repositioning moves
Better alignment of provision, control, and use of equipment
Conducting outreach to industry stakeholders and establishing a response mechanism to address questions from concerned parties about the chassis transition.
View FAQCompiled a comprehensive matrix of ocean carrier chassis announcements — summarizing actions and public notices by various carriers regarding chassis provisioning changes.
View SummaryConducted reviews of various locations and developed a Suggested Location Schedule indicating when assessments are expected to be completed, to guide implementation timing.
View ScheduleOCEMA’s affiliate Consolidated Chassis Management LLC (CCM) has implemented more efficient procedures, enhanced peak-demand capability, and added entities to make chassis available to the public.
Learn About CCMOCEMA studies indicate chassis will generally stay in the same locations. Multiple sources of supply will continue to be available, and OCEMA surveys support a stable chassis supply.
OCEMA members will respect existing service contract obligations regarding chassis provision. Individual carriers may seek mutually agreeable amendments with customers as appropriate.
There should be no adverse effect on safety and FMCSA compliance. The transition better aligns physical control and equipment operation with the regulatory processes governing it.
For specific details about a particular carrier’s chassis provisioning intentions, contact the carrier directly. For questions about OCEMA’s role, contact us.