What Is a Chassis Split? Meaning, Fees, and How to Avoid Extra Charges

You’ve paid your ocean freight. Your goods have arrived at the Port of Los Angeles. You think the hard part is over.

Then, your final drayage invoice arrives. It is $400 higher than the original quote.

You scan the line items and see this:

• Base Drayage: $800

• Chassis Rental: $40

• Chassis Split Fee: $125

• Return Split Fee: $125

You might be asking: "I already paid for the container delivery. Why am I paying extra for the wheels? And why does it look like I’m being charged for it twice?"

Welcome to the complex reality of US drayage. In this guide, we’re going to break down exactly what a Chassis Split is, why it happens specifically at ports like Long Beach and LA, and how savvy importers can avoid these "hidden" costs.

What Is a Chassis Split? (The Simple Definition)

To understand the fee, you have to understand the dysfunction of US port infrastructure. Unlike in China or Europe, where truckers often bring their own trailers, US ports rely on a shared "pool" system.

A Chassis Split occurs when the truck driver arrives at the port terminal to pick up your container, but there are no chassis (wheels) available at that location.

The driver is forced to travel to a separate Chassis Pool (often 5–10 miles away) to pick up a chassis first, before returning to the terminal to get your container.

The Fee Breakdown:

• The Service: You are paying for the driver’s extra time, fuel, and gate-in/gate-out labor to fetch the equipment.

• The Cost: Typically $75 – $150 per occurrence.

Key Takeaway: Think of it like calling an Uber, but the driver charges you an extra fee because they had to stop at a gas station to put air in their tires before picking you up. It’s annoying, but in the current US logistics system, it’s often standard practice.

Why Does This Happen? (The LA/LB Problem)

You might wonder, "Why doesn't the terminal just have chassis ready?"

It comes down to how different ports operate.

• Grounded Operations (e.g., NY/NJ): Containers are stacked on the ground. Drivers know they need to bring their own chassis. It's predictable.

• Wheeled Operations (e.g., LA/LB): Containers are supposed to be mounted on chassis instantly. But due to chronic shortages and the Pool of Pools (POP) complexity, the specific brand of chassis required for your shipping line might not be available.

When the "right" brand of chassis isn't there, the driver has to split.

The Hidden Trap: "The Double Split"

Most importers assume a Chassis Split is a one-time fee. This is the biggest misconception that costs you money.

Our data at Zbao Logistics shows that during peak congestion, nearly 25% of shipments incur a Chassis Split on BOTH legs of the journey.

1. The Pickup Split (Leg 1)

The driver goes to a depot to get a chassis to pick up your imported goods.

• Cost: ~$100

2. The Return Split (Leg 2)

This is the one nobody tells you about. After you unload the goods, the driver tries to return the empty container to the port. However, if the terminal is full, they may refuse the chassis. The steamship line will direct the driver to return the empty container to Location A, but the chassis must be returned to Location B (a different depot).

• Cost: ~$100

The Result: You could pay $200+ on a single shipment just for equipment repositioning.

Chassis Split vs. Bobtail Fee: Don't Confuse Them!

We often see clients mixing up "Splits" with "Bobtails." They are completely different charges, and confusing them can make your bill look scary.

Pro Tip: If you take too long to unload the container, you might get hit with a Bobtail fee and a Return Split fee later. 

The Economics: Private Chassis vs. Standard Truckers

This is where the "Expert" strategy comes in.

When you book drayage, you generally have two options. Most "budget" freight forwarders use Option A because the base rate looks cheaper. We often recommend Option B.

Option A: The "Standard" Trucker (Pool Chassis)

• Base Rate: $500

• Risk: They rely on the port’s common pool. If the pool is empty (which happens often in Q4), you get hit with a Chassis Split ($125) + Waiting Time ($85/hr).

• Total Real Cost: $700+ and unpredictable delays.

Option B: The Zbao Strategy (Private Chassis Fleet)

We prioritize truckers who own their own Private Chassis Fleets.

• Base Rate: Maybe $550 (Slightly higher).

• Benefit: The driver arrives with their own wheels. They don't need to hunt for a chassis.

• Chassis Split Fee: $0.

• Reliability: High.

• Total Real Cost: $550.

By paying a slightly higher base rate, you eliminate the variable risk of split fees. It’s insurance against chaos.

How to Avoid Chassis Split Fees (Your Checklist)

You can't control the port congestion, but you can control your booking strategy.

1. Ask Upfront: Before you book, ask your forwarder: "Do your drivers use private chassis or pool chassis?"

2. Live Unload: Whenever possible, arrange for a "Live Unload" at your warehouse. This prevents the driver from dropping the container, eliminating the Bobtail fee and reducing the risk of a Return Split.

3. Pre-Pull Strategy: During peak seasons (like pre-CNY), ask us about a [See: Pre-pull Service]. We move your container to a secure yard at night. While this incurs a small fee, it secures the equipment and is far cheaper than a Chassis Split + Dry Run fee.

Who This Is For

Before you reach out for a quote, it is important to know that Chassis Split fees mostly affect Commercial FCL (Full Container Load) shipments.

• This guide is for: Amazon Sellers, Commercial Importers, and Supply Chain Managers shipping 20ft or 40ft containers via US West Coast ports.

• Please Note: If you are shipping personal household goods or small parcels (courier), these fees usually do not apply in the same way, and we specialize strictly in B2B commercial logistics.

Conclusion

A Chassis Split isn't a "scam"—it is a legitimate cost caused by the infrastructure gaps in US ports. However, it shouldn't be a mystery on your invoice.

At Zbao Logistics, we believe in transparent quoting. We tell you upfront if a split is likely, and we leverage our private fleet connections to avoid it whenever possible.

Stop paying for "surprise wheels."

Contact Zbao Logistics today for a drayage quote that includes the full picture.