The United States is unique in that international container chassis have conventionally been provided primarily by ocean carriers and, to a lesser degree, leasing companies, rail-roads, motor carriers, and other entities. For ocean carriers, it is a non-revenue-generating service. The global recession in 2009 resulted in large ocean carrier losses and ocean carriers were forced to look for ways to reduce costs. Concurrently, in December 2008, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released new requirements that made Intermodal Equipment Providers (IEPs) subject to FMCSA regulation. As a result of these new safety-focused chassis roadability rules, IEPs are required to establish a systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance program. These regulations and the ocean carrier chassis divestiture strategies are spurring new approaches to international chassis supply and management in the United States. Under NCFRP Project 43, CPCS Transcom Limited was asked to (1) describe the functions and uses of international container chassis in freight movement and the factors driving chassis supply model changes; (2) identify and describe the current chassis supply models by region and terminal operating mode used in the United States; (3) identify and describe the stakeholders and how they influence and/or are affected by each chassis supply model; (4) identify and quantify the positive and negative aspects of each chassis supply model for each stakeholder; (5) enumerate the cost elements and drivers for each element of the various chassis supply models and identify the key metrics to measure the performance of each chassis supply model; (6) describe methods to improve the implementation and operation of each chassis supply model; and (7) develop a matrix that guides each stakeholder through the evaluation of the various chassis supply models. NCFRP Report 20: Guidebook for Assessing Evolving International Container Chassis Supply Models describes the historical and evolving models of international container chassis ownership and management in the United States. It is intended to provide stakeholders, including beneficial cargo owners, public policy makers and planners, trucking companies, ocean carriers, and terminal operators with an understanding of the most salient issues and implications as the chassis supply market continues to evolve so they can make informed decisions going forward. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting