Washington, D.C. – The Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association (OCEMA), the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), and the South Carolina Ports Authority (SCPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new South Atlantic Chassis Pool (SACP 2.0).

The SACP 2.0 will have 58,000 chassis and will ensure a continued interoperable chassis solution for the entire South Atlantic region. It is the largest integrated “grey” chassis pool in the U.S. The pool will be managed by Consolidated Chassis Management, LLC (CCM), a subsidiary of OCEMA. Under the MOU, SACP 2.0 has committed to improve the reliability of supply and quality of the chassis fleet to serve the growing volumes in the South Atlantic region.

The SACP 2.0 will implement a chassis upgrade program to transition the chassis fleet to radial tires, LED lights, and ABS. In addition, the MOU provides for reduced stress levels and an expedited system for adding additional equipment based on trade needs.

“SCPA appreciates the commitment to safe and reliable operations that these chassis upgrades will provide during the next 36 months,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA President and CEO. “We applaud the work and planning between OCEMA, GPA and SCPA that led to this outcome.”

Under the new structure, CCM will work closely with the Ports, ocean carriers, railroads and pool stakeholders to improve chassis forecasting capabilities.

“The chassis industry is evolving and this is an effective bridge to achieving a longer term solution,” said Georgia Ports Authority Chief Operating Officer Ed McCarthy. “At the end of the day this agreement is about providing our customers with a cost effective and efficient supply chain that eliminates choke points and increases velocity.”

An SACP Operations Committee comprised of the Ports, equipment contributors, and ocean carriers will oversee day‐to‐day operational issues affecting the Pool and provide input and recommendations to CCM. The largest contributors to the Pool are: TRAC Intermodal, DCLI, NACPC, and Flexi‐Van Leasing.

OCEMA Chairman, Frank Grossi stated, “OCEMA, GPA, and SCPA have worked to develop a solution that best fits the needs of the region to improve chassis availability and quality, while not significantly increasing transportation costs. We believe this collaborative effort of OCEMA and the Ports will benefit the entire trade and strengthen a key link – intermodal chassis – in the supply chain.”