Direct ChassisLink

Direct ChassisLink, Inc. (DCLI) is a U.S.-based equipment leasing company specializing in intermodal chassis — the wheeled frames used to move shipping containers over the road. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, DCLI operates one of the largest chassis fleets in the United States, serving ocean carriers, railroads, trucking companies, and beneficial cargo owners. The company provides both direct leasing (Direct ChassisLink Leasing, or DCLL) and cooperative pool management (Direct ChassisLink Pools, or DCLP), as well as a domestic 53-foot pool (DCL53) designed for rail-to-door container movements. DCLI's fleet includes a wide range of marine chassis types — such as 40-foot gooseneck and 53-foot models in painted or galvanized steel — and domestic 53-foot chassis. The company's pools allow multiple users to share equipment, improving utilization and reducing empty repositioning in the intermodal supply chain. DCLI emphasizes availability, quality, and operational efficiency, offering customers online tools to check chassis availability updated multiple times daily. Ownership of DCLI has changed hands among infrastructure investors. The company was acquired by EQT Infrastructure in 2022, following earlier ownership by Apollo Global Management and others. DCLI continues to invest in fleet modernization and pool expansion across the United States, positioning itself as a key logistics infrastructure provider for containerized freight.

Direct ChassisLink, Inc. (DCLI) was established in 2009 as a chassis leasing company in the United States. It grew through acquisitions and organic expansion to become one of the largest intermodal chassis providers in the country. In 2013, DCLI acquired the chassis fleet of Maersk Line's U.S. operations, significantly expanding its marine chassis pool. In 2015, the company acquired the domestic chassis fleet of GE Capital's intermodal business, adding 53-foot domestic chassis to its portfolio. Ownership changed in 2016 when Apollo Global Management acquired DCLI. In 2022, EQT Infrastructure acquired DCLI from Apollo, continuing the company's focus on long-term infrastructure investment. Throughout its history, DCLI has invested in fleet modernization, pool expansion, and digital tools for customers, such as online chassis availability tracking. The company operates major pools including DCLP for marine chassis and DCL53 for domestic 53-foot chassis, serving ports, rail ramps, and inland markets across the United States.

• 2022

  EQT Infrastructure acquired DCLI from Apollo.

• 2016

  Apollo Global Management acquired DCLI.

• 2015

  Acquired GE Capital's domestic intermodal chassis fleet.

• 2013

  Acquired Maersk Line's U.S. chassis fleet.

• 2009

  Direct ChassisLink founded in the United States.

Provider of choice for intermodal chassis leasing and pool management, focused on fleet quality, availability, and supply-chain efficiency.

• Marine chassis

  Chassis for moving ocean containers, including 40-foot gooseneck and 53-foot models.

• Domestic 53-foot chassis

  Chassis for domestic intermodal rail-to-door container moves.

• Direct ChassisLink Pools (DCLP)

  Competitive pool of marine chassis available across the country.

• Direct ChassisLink Domestic Pool (DCL53)

  Nationwide pool of 53-foot domestic chassis.

• Direct ChassisLink Leasing (DCLL)

  Customized chassis leasing options for equipment, upgrades, and lease terms.

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