I’ve noticed that a lot of the service vehicles at intermodal yards (like the pickup trucks, security trucks, maintenance vans, etc) have these bars welded over the top of them… what are those for?
A picture of what you are seeing might help.
The cages are to prevent stupid driver tricks, especially in the dark or while backing. The main culprit is empty container (sea can) chassis with protruding structural supports. Most of the damage to the vehicles starts at the windows and goes up.
So what are these “stupid driver tricks” that you are referring to?
They are to prevent the vehicle operator from driving under a trailer or container, and getting a real close hair cut.
Nick
They are called Chassis guards , and for the most part they work . They are made of heavy steel , but not all Railroads require them . I feel a little safer when I am in a truck with them because for the most part the Rules of the Road don’t seem to apply at intermodal ramps .
They are called Chassis guards , and for the most part they work . They are made of heavy steel , but not all Railroads require them . I feel a little safer when I am in a truck with them because for the most part the Rules of the Road don’t seem to apply at intermodal ramps .
The offending part of the intermodal chassis is the channel for the container supports at the front of the box. They need no markings for transport over the road, so they can be very difficult to see at times (I had at least one close encounter on a bicycle en route home from work after dark). The bars on the trucks are obviously not as strong as a roll-bar, but all they need to do is deflect the front end of the chassis up and over the cab, away from the windshield. If the equipped vehicle collides with some other area of the chassis, the bars won’t afford much protection.