Trac Introduces Lightweight Chassis for Houston Market
Trac Intermodal introduced lighter marine chassis in Houston to assist trucking companies hauling heavy loads to comply with vehicle weight regulations on highways, the company announced Jan. 30.
Truck drivers who would use the lightweight marine chassis often move ethylene-based plastic resins to export from the Port of Houston, according to the chassis provider. Dow Chemical Co., which makes the product, recently told investors that the supply of ethylene is expected to tighten and prices will go up in 2017 because demand is high.
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“We believe there is a significant market for specialty equipment around the country, tied to various industry needs and time-of-year demands,” said Keith Lovetro, Trac Intermodal’s CEO. “We will continue to explore opportunities to develop and introduce high-quality, reliable equipment that is calibrated to the specific needs of our customers.”
He also said that lightweight chassis boost freight capacity per load but still stay within federal weight limits. Carriers are also using the chassis to transport other heavy commodities such as lumber.
The majority of the chassis will be placed on longer-term leases with customers while the remainder will be used in Trac’s private pool in Houston.
