General Specifications of Refrigerated Container Skeleton Semi-trailers

1. Dimensions (Container Compatibility-Centric)

Overall External Dimensions (by reefer container length):

40ft model (standard): 12.20 m (L) × 2.55 m (W) × 1.50–1.80 m (H, frame height); Wheelbase: 6.80–7.20 m

45ft model (extended): 13.80 m (L) × 2.55 m (W) × 1.50–1.80 m (H, frame height); Wheelbase: 7.50–8.00 m

20ft model (compact): 6.10 m (L) × 2.55 m (W) × 1.40–1.60 m (H, frame height); Wheelbase: 3.80–4.20 m

Skeleton Frame Internal Dimensions (for container fit):

40ft: 12.19 m (L, between front/rear twist locks) × 2.44 m (W, inner beam spacing) – fits ISO 40ft reefer containers (12.19m×2.44m×2.59m)

45ft: 13.72 m (L) × 2.44 m (W) – fits ISO 45ft high-cube reefer containers (13.72m×2.44m×2.89m)

Key Height Metrics:

Frame height (ground to top of main rails): 1.10–1.30 m (low enough for reefer container clearance under bridges)

Twist lock height (ground to lock top): 1.20–1.40 m (matches reefer container corner casting height)

Minimum ground clearance (under axles): 0.35–0.45 m

2. Load Capacity

Tare Weight (Empty Weight):

3-axle 40ft model: 7,800–8,500 kg (lightweight Q690 high-tensile steel frame)

3-axle 45ft model: 8,200–9,000 kg (extended frame with extra cross beams)

2-axle 20ft model: 5,500–6,200 kg (compact design for urban 冷链 transport)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):

3-axle models: 38,000–40,000 kg (complies with global heavy-duty limits)

2-axle models: 24,000–26,000 kg (for short-haul urban reefer transport)

Axle Load Distribution (3-axle with 1 airbag lifting axle):

Non-lifting axles (2 units): 13,000 kg/axle (static load)

Airbag lifting axle (1 unit): 13,000 kg (when lowered, for full load); 0 kg (when lifted, for empty/light load)

Maximum payload capacity: 29,000–31,200 kg (3-axle); 17,800–20,500 kg (2-axle)

3. Skeleton Frame Structure

Frame Material & Strength:

Main Rails: High-tensile Q690 steel I-beams (300×150×10 mm for 40ft; 320×160×10 mm for 45ft) – tensile strength ≥ 690 MPa

Cross Beams: 120×80×6 mm steel channels; spaced 0.5–0.8 m apart (40ft: 18–20 cross beams; 45ft: 22–24 cross beams)

Welding Standard: CO₂ gas shielded welding (full penetration welds; tensile strength ≥ 550 MPa)

Container Securing System:

Twist Locks: 12–16 units (ISO 1161 standard); material: high-strength cast steel (QT450-10); load rating: 3,000 kg/lock

Lock Positioning: 4 locks at front (near kingpin), 4 at middle, 4–8 at rear (adjustable for 40ft/45ft containers)

Optional Side Guides: 2–4 adjustable steel guides (prevents container lateral shift during transport)

Corrosion Protection:

Surface Treatment: Hot-dip galvanizing (frame and twist locks) + electrostatic powder coating (thickness: 80–120 μm) – resistance to salt spray ≥ 1,000 hours (suitable for coastal port transport)

4. Axle & Suspension System

Axle Configuration (3-axle models, standard):

Brand: BPW (Germany) or SAF-Holland (global); optional domestic brands (e.g., CIMC)

Axle Type: Heavy-duty solid steel axles (13,000 kg/axle); axle tube diameter: 150 mm; wall thickness: 12 mm

Brake Drum: Cast iron (diameter: 420 mm; thickness: 25 mm); brake shoes: asbestos-free friction material

Suspension & Lifting Mechanism:

Main Suspension: Airbag suspension (2 airbags/axle; brand: Continental or Firestone); working pressure: 0.6–0.8 MPa

Airbag Lifting Axle: 1 unit (rear axle); lifting height: 150–200 mm (via 2 lifting airbags); control mode: manual valve (cab-mounted) or electric remote (optional)

Shock Absorbers: Double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers (1/axle; damping force: 8,000 N)

Tires & Wheels:

Tire Size: 12R22.5 (radial tires; 16PR load rating); tread pattern: rib-type (low rolling resistance for long-haul)

Wheel Rims: Aluminum alloy (22.5 in; 8–10 bolt holes); weight: 28–32 kg/rim (reduces tare weight by 8–10% vs. steel rims)

5. Reefer Container Compatibility & Connections

Container Size Compatibility:

Standard ISO Containers: 20ft (6.06m L), 40ft (12.19m L), 45ft (13.72m L) reefer containers

Container Height: 2.43m (standard) to 2.89m (high-cube); frame clearance accommodates all heights

Power Connection for Reefer Units:

Electrical Interface: 24V DC power socket (IP67 waterproof); rated current: 30A – supplies power to reefer container's refrigeration unit during transport

Cable Storage: Built-in cable reel (length: 5m) – prevents cable damage during driving

Ventilation & Access:

Frame Ventilation: 100×100 mm rectangular holes in cross beams – improves air circulation under reefer container (reduces condensation)

Maintenance Access: Removable side panels (near axles) – easy access to suspension and brake components

6. Safety & Stability Features

Braking System:

Service Brakes: Air disc brakes (optional) or drum brakes (standard); brake chamber: 36/36 inch (double-diaphragm)

Safety Systems: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System, ECE R10) + EBS (Electronic Braking System, ECE R13) + ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)

Parking Brake: Spring-actuated mechanical brake (acts on all axles; activation force ≤ 300 N)

Stability & Protection:

Side Protection: Steel guard rails (height: 0.5 m; thickness: 4 mm); mounted 0.15 m above ground

Rear Protection: Steel bumper (thickness: 8 mm); energy-absorbing design (meets ECE R93)

Anti-Rollover Enhancement: Wide track width (2.2–2.3 m) + low center of gravity (frame height ≤1.3 m) – reduces rollover risk by 25%

Visibility Aids:

LED Lights: Rear stop lights, turn signals, side marker lights (12V/24V compatible; IP68 waterproof)

Reflective Tapes: Red-and-white retroreflective tapes (width: 50 mm) – full-body coverage (front, rear, side beams)

7. Compliance & Certifications

Global Standards:

ISO Standards: ISO 1161 (twist locks), ISO 3833 (commercial vehicle classification), ISO 8373 (container terminology)

Regional Certifications:

Europe: CE (ECE R13 for braking, ECE R66 for rollover, ECE R10 for electronics)

North America: DOT (FMVSS 121, FMVSS 108), NHTSA compliance

China: CCC (GB 7258, GB 1589, GB 23254)

Industry-Specific Compliance:

Cold Chain Transport: Complies with WHO's Good Distribution Practice (GDP) for pharmaceutical transport (when paired with certified reefer containers)

Port Logistics: Meets ISO 668 (container dimensions and ratings) for port crane compatibility

8. Customization Options

Frame Modifications:

Extended Frame: For 48ft reefer containers (14.63m L); additional cross beams (26–28 units)

Shortened Frame: For 10ft/15ft small reefer containers (urban last-mile delivery)

Axle & Suspension Upgrades:

Dual Airbag Lifting Axles: 2 units (for ultra-heavy 45ft high-cube reefer containers, GVWR up to 45,000 kg)

Disc Brakes: Full-set air disc brakes (reduces braking distance by 15% vs. drum brakes)

Functional Add-Ons:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Real-time pressure/temperature monitoring (wireless, 100m range)

Toolbox: Lockable steel toolbox (mounted on front frame) – stores reefer unit tools and spare parts

GPS Tracking Device: Integrated GPS (for fleet management; monitors location, speed, and axle lifting status)

Product Introduction

This 3-Axle 40ft Refrigerated Container Skeleton Semi-trailer with Airbag Lifting Axle & BPW Axles is a specialized solution engineered for global cold chain logistics-designed to securely carry 40ft standard ISO refrigerated containers (reefer containers) used for transporting fresh produce, frozen food, and temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. Its core advantages lie in the BPW heavy-duty axles (for long-term reliability), airbag lifting axle (for fuel efficiency and load compliance), and corrosion-resistant skeleton frame (for durability in coastal/port environments). Compliant with EU ECE R13, US FMVSS 121, and China GB 1589 standards, it balances heavy-load capacity (38,000kg GVWR) with flexible operation, making it an ideal choice for 冷链 logistics companies, port operators, and pharmaceutical distributors.

Product Content Introduction

3-Axle 40ft Refrigerated Container Skeleton Semi-trailer with Airbag Lifting Axle & BPW Axles features a high-strength, corrosion-resistant skeleton frame optimized for 40ft reefer containers. The main rails are made of 300×150×10mm Q690 high-tensile steel (tensile strength ≥ 690 MPa), paired with 120×80×6mm steel cross beams (spaced 0.6m apart, 19 total) to ensure stable load distribution for 29,000kg payloads. It uses 12 ISO 1161 standard twist locks (3,000kg load rating each)-4 at the front, 4 in the middle, and 4 at the rear-to quickly secure 40ft reefer containers (12.19m×2.44m×2.59m), with adjustable lock positions to accommodate 20ft containers if needed. The frame undergoes hot-dip galvanizing + electrostatic powder coating (80–120μm thickness), achieving salt spray resistance ≥ 1,000 hours to withstand humid port or coastal transport conditions.

3-Axle 40ft Refrigerated Container Skeleton Semi-trailer with Airbag Lifting Axle & BPW Axles is equipped with premium BPW axles and an airbag lifting system for efficiency and durability. It uses 3 BPW solid steel axles (each rated 13,000kg, axle tube diameter 150mm) with asbestos-free brake shoes-reducing maintenance frequency by 30% vs. generic axles. The rear axle is an airbag lifting axle (powered by Continental airbags, working pressure 0.6–0.8MPa) that lifts 150–200mm when empty/light-loaded (cutting tire wear by 40% and fuel consumption by 5–8%) and lowers automatically when fully loaded to distribute weight evenly across 3 axles. The suspension system includes double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers (1 per axle) to absorb vibrations on highways, protecting the reefer container's refrigeration unit.

3-Axle 40ft Refrigerated Container Skeleton Semi-trailer with Airbag Lifting Axle & BPW Axles integrates reefer-specific features to support cold chain integrity. It has a 24V DC waterproof power socket (IP67, 30A) mounted on the front frame-supplying continuous power to the reefer container's refrigeration unit during transport, with a 5m retractable cable reel to prevent cable damage. The cross beams feature 100×100mm ventilation holes to circulate air under the container, reducing condensation that could affect temperature stability. A lockable steel toolbox (mounted near the kingpin) provides secure storage for reefer unit tools, spare fuses, and cable connectors-streamlining on-road maintenance.

3-Axle 40ft Refrigerated Container Skeleton Semi-trailer with Airbag Lifting Axle & BPW Axles prioritizes safety with a comprehensive braking and protection system. Its braking setup includes drum brakes (420mm diameter) with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBS (Electronic Braking System), and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation)-ensuring stable stopping even when fully loaded (38,000kg) on wet or icy roads. Side protection rails (0.5m height, 4mm thick steel) and a rear energy-absorbing bumper (8mm thick steel) meet ECE R93 standards, preventing collisions with pedestrians or vehicles. Full-body 50mm-wide reflective tapes and IP68 waterproof LED lights (stop, turn, marker) enhance visibility at night or in fog, complying with global road safety requirements.

3-Axle 40ft Refrigerated Container Skeleton Semi-trailer with Airbag Lifting Axle & BPW Axles meets multi-region compliance and offers flexible customization. It holds CE (Europe), DOT (North America), and CCC (China) certifications, enabling legal operation in major cold chain markets. Customization options include: a 45ft extended frame (for 13.72m high-cube reefer containers), full-set air disc brakes (reducing braking distance by 15%), a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with real-time alerts, and a GPS tracker (for fleet management, monitoring location and axle lifting status). For pharmaceutical transport, an optional temperature sensor (integrated with the reefer unit) can be added to record and transmit temperature data.

Container skeleton truck specifications:
Size (mm): 13950x2550x1445mm

Load (tons): ≤60T

Axles: 3 axles, 13T/16T, FUWA/ BPW/ FANQI brand

Tires: 12, 12R22.5

Rim: 9.00-22.5 or 9.75-22.5

Suspension: Air suspension

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