Photo: Dr. jean-Paul Rodrigue, 2012.
Most container chassis are single-purpose, implying that they are only used to carry containers. There are some cases where a hybrid chassis can be used to carry containers, the most prevalent being the flatbed trailer that can also carry other cargoes. The above photo depicts a unique type of hybrid container chassis that can also carry automobiles. It is used for drayage operations in ports with significant container volumes and car terminal facilities. The driver has the advantage of being able to carry containers and automobiles with the same equipment without needing to switch chassis. For instance, an import container full of car parts can be brought from the container terminal to an assembly line. After the container has been dropped off, the driver can pick up cars to be brought to the car terminal for exports. Although this does not represent an optimal use of the chassis (the chassis is larger than the container in the above photo), it expands its commercial opportunities.