Intermodal Blogs

I realize I haven't been proactively submitting new blog material, but I did want to point out a blog that has interesting information about lots of subjects related to the intermodal world. Please visit All Intermodal Blog and let me know what you think!

Drop Frame Tank Chassis - About and Why We Need Them

If you’re dealing with portable transport and storage of bulk liquids, then you’re probably using tank containers. ISO tank containers are the same dimensions as a standard ISO ocean container, typically made of steel, used to haul hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals, food grade products such as milk and juices, gases, and more. A good site to visit for more information about the tank container is All Things Intermodal Blog. I’ve had several people approach me asking about the best way to transport thesetank containers. Well here is my best answer.

The only legal and safe way to transport a loaded tank container within the USA is by using a tank container chassis. These are specialty 40 -43 ft. long drop frame chassis with a standard deck height of 40″. The tanks loaded with liquid cargo tend to shift their payload weight drastically while intransit. The lower deck height provides a lower center of gravity to compensate for the phenomena and reduce the likelihood of a turn-over accident. Because of the heavy weight of the loaded tank, the longer length of the tank chassis helps to legally scale most tanks. Twistlocks provide a secure mounting mechanism for the tanks and eliminate the need for straps or chains. These chassis can be fitted with additional options including: lift kits to facilitate product discharge, hose tubes, and other features. Tank chassis come in tandem axle, tri-axle, and spread axle configurations. Tandem axle chassis will handle a large part of loaded tank chassis. Tri-axle tank chassis can haul heavier loads typically with a GVWR of 80,000 lbs. Spread axle tank chassis can haul the heavier loads that tri-axles do but with a lighter tare weight due to the dual axle design. Hi/lo combo kits are also available to allow drayage of 2 empty tank containers.

Tank chassis are a necessity for any tank container handler or operator. For more information on tank container chassis you can visit Innova Industries.

HDPE Earrings Anyone?

In our industry we have the good fortune of doing business with lots of different types of companies. A customer of ours that manufactures all types of industrial products from high density polyethylene or HDPE sent us this picture. Apparently one of his customer's employees requested some "special order" earrings. These are machined from 1/2" FDA Dupont natural stress relief UV inhibited HDPE. Who says industrial can't be glamorous?!

Visit our website www.nationalchassis.com

Breaking Down the $787 Billion Stimulus Package

Well the stimulus package was finally passed through congress and signed into legislation two weeks ago. I wanted to write a short blurb outlining the break down of the bill. Here's how all that money will be allocated:
$27.5 billion to highway funding (some of which is already being put to use).
$9.3 billion for Amtrack and high speed rail.
$6.9 billion for the Federal Transit Administration.
$400 million for transportation electrification (can include anti-idle projecdts at truck stops).
$300 million for grants to fleets to retrofit or replace older trucks to reduce diesel emissions.
$520 million for border-crossing construction and Customs screening equipment.
$142 million for the U.S. Coast Guard to alter bridges.
Some fleet owners are optimistic the additional construction projects will translate into increase trucking business in materials transportation. There was however some concern from the American Trucking Association that going forward those non-contributors benefitted by this stimulus wouldn't be seeking additional funds from the Highway Trust Fund money. Individual states still have to put forth their proposals for obtaining their share and will also be responsible for dispersing the funds within their respective states. Now let's wait and see what happens.