A chassis fee is a cost charged for using a specialized trailer frame (truck chassis) to transport containers. Since many trucking companies don’t own these wheeled chassis, they’re typically rented from operators at the port for a chassis usage fee. After unloading from a ship, containers are placed on this chassis so a truck can move them to a warehouse or rail yard.
For beverage brands, this fee is a standard part of drayage costs when moving containers of ingredients, equipment, packaging, or finished products. The chassis charge covers the maintenance and provision of this essential port equipment, and it is typically billed per day.