Direct ChassisLink (DCLI) will expand its chassis program to the Pacific Southwest areas effective October 4, 2010.' Locations will include Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland and Phoenix.' DCLI will offer chassis for use in these markets to drayage companies at marine terminals, container yards (CY) and railroads. 'Approximately 2000 drayage companies are currently participating in the program in the Northeast, Southeast, Gulf, Pacific Northwest and the Ohio Valley and Chicago/Midwest areas. This seventh phase of the program will increase the DCLI fleet available to draymen to over 60,000 chassis located in over 140 locations.' Drayage companies, customers and terminal operators are benefiting from a truly neutral chassis alternative, providing greater operational efficiency, improved transport safety and a reduced environmental footprint.

'One year ago, we announced this initiative to change the U.S. chassis business model.' At that time, I stated that promoting better business practices to alleviate diesel-related emissions and improve air quality by offering innovative chassis solutions that support the quality-of-life and environmental goals of our Nation's ports, transportation infrastructure and the communities they serve is the essence of the Direct ChassisLink program,' said Direct ChassisLink Vice President Andy Chinigo. 'This phase will complete the program's rollout.' We are proud to have been the catalyst for this initiative in the U.S.' As with any change, there are challenges to address, however, with each successive phase, we have seen greater and more rapid acceptance of the program as the various stakeholders realized the benefits. The winners of this program are the truckers, the port and rail workers, and those who live and work in these busy port communities.'

A drayage company may be able to utilize the same DCLI chassis multiple times in one day for any combination of ocean carrier moves for a single charge in instances where it is operationally feasible.' Upon return to one of the designated locations, the daily usage fee will stop on the chassis.' An invoice for the calendar days from gate out to gate in is invoiced directly to the draymen.' Drayage companies must have a valid DCLI interchange agreement in place in order to take full advantage of the program.