What is a Chassis Split?

A chassis split happens when the chassis a driver needs is not available at the same location as the container. Instead of hooking a chassis and grabbing the box in one stop, the driver has to make a separate trip to a depot or pool to pick up (or drop off) the chassis, then travel to the terminal for the container.

Splits are one of the most disliked inefficiencies in drayage because they add miles, time, and often an accessorial charge for what should be a single move. A "bobtail split" — driving to fetch a chassis with no container attached — burns fuel and hours with no revenue-producing freight on the truck.

Chassis splits usually stem from equipment imbalances and pool logistics: the right chassis type simply isn't staged where the container is. They are a leading cause of unexpected drayage cost and delay, which is why carriers work to avoid them through pool selection and pre-planning.