2023-00001 – Mid-Beam on Trailer Chassis May Crack – 2022-2023 Pratt GN30402-EC-6P Container Chassis Trailers

SEOCONTENT-START

OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-767
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Pratt Intermodal Chassis
Submission Date : NOV 13, 2023
NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-767
Manufacturer Recall No. : 2023-00001
Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Pratt Intermodal Chassis
Address : 2070 S 3rd Street
Niles MI 49120
Company phone : 2620933
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 320
Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information :
Vehicle 1 : 2022-2023 Pratt Intermodal Chassis GN30402-EC-6P
Vehicle Type : TRAILERS
Body Style : OTHER
Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : The units were selected by the production dates from when Pratt Intermodal Chassis
started production and then until production of this model was stopped.
The design of this particular model only created a condition where the potential for a
structural failure exists between the front gooseneck section and the mid-rail under
certain load conditions and when the chassis is in the 20-foot configuration. This can
result in bending or cracking of the mid beam of the chassis when a fully loaded or
overloaded 20-foot container is mounted to the trailer. The issue is not present when
the chassis is used in the 40-foot configuration because the load is spread across the
entire chassis and does not result in the potential bending condition.
There are 320 Units involved of model GN30402-EC-6P
Production Dates : DEC 06, 2021 – JUN 30, 2022
VIN Range 1 : Begin : 1P9CC4024MN343440 End : 1P9CC4028PN343445 ✔ Not sequential
Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : The design of this model created a condition where the potential for a
structural failure exists between the front gooseneck section and the mid-rail
under certain load conditions and when the chassis is in the 20-foot
configuration.
FMVSS 1 : NR
FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : The defect can result in bending or cracking of the mid beam of the chassis
when a fully loaded or overloaded 20-foot container is mounted to the trailer.
Bending of the chassis makes it difficult to remove the container, and it is a
precursor to future cracking if not remedied. If cracking occurs during
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-767 Page 2
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
operation, the retracted landing gears will contact the road and the
gooseneck portion of the trailer will be at a severe upward angle. Continued
travel under this condition could result in complete failure of the trailer, and
if the twist locks connecting the trailer to the container fail or are not engaged
the load could be separated from the tractor and/or the trailer.
Description of the Cause : The result can be in the bending or cracking of the mid beam of the chassis
when a fully loaded or overloaded 20-foot container is mounted to the trailer.
The issue is not present when the chassis is used in the 40-foot configuration
because the load is spread across the entire chassis and does not result in the
potential bending condition.
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
a) – The bending of the frame is visibly evident prior to any other failure
as shown in the attached document
b) – As with the bending of the frame, the crack that can result is also very
evident.
Involved Components :
Component Name 1 : NR
Component Description : NR
Component Part Number : NR
Supplier Identification :
Component Manufacturer
Name : Pratt Intermodal Chassis
Address : 2070 S 3rd Street
Niles Michigan 49120
Country : United States
Chronology :
• The trailers in question were manufactured between December 2021, through June 2022.
o Production of this model was halted in June 2022 when a single unit was observed to be bent. The unit
was carrying an overweight 20 ft container at the time.
• Pratt Intermodal Chassis was notified by National Chassis, Inc. in September 2022 that one of their
units also suffered a bent midbeam after being used to transport an overweight 20 ft container. No action was
taken at this time due to the failure occurring while the chassis was being operated outside its approved
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-767 Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
operating limits.
• Pratt Intermodal Chassis was notified by DCLI (Direct Chassis Link Inc) in early October 2023 that
similar units of the same design but produced by prior ownership had similar failures while carrying 20 ft
containers that were within weight limits at the time of failure.
o These two chassis were requested to be shipped to PIC for internal investigation as to cause.
o This investigation led Pratt Intermodal Chassis to reassess the sufficiency of the design of this model to
carry containers at the approved ratings.
• On November 3, 2023, a decision was made to begin the recall process of GN30402-EC-6P chassis
produced by Pratt Intermodal Chassis.
o To date no other reports of bent or cracked trailers manufactured by Pratt Intermodal Chassis have
occurred.
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : We have prepared an outline of the procedure to remedy the defect.
Below is an outline of that remedy. There is included in the document a
complete VIN Listing and diagrams. Step 3 below includes welding the
trailer in the 40 ft position and allowing use in that configuration only.
1. All PIC GN304302-EC-6P chassis with the following VIN’s are
required to have an inspection for failure as shown following. See below
steps and diagrams for specifics of the inspection and repair procedure.
2. If cracks exist in the area shown in diagram 2 then the unit may
NOT be used and must NOT remain on the road. Please contact PIC via
email at [email protected] for disposition.
3. If no deformation exists in the area of concern shown in diagrams
1 and 2, you may continue to use the chassis in the 40 ft position only, with
the modifications shown in diagrams 3, 4, and 5.
4. Contact PIC at [email protected] with any questions
about performing this inspection and repair procedure.
How Remedy Component Differs
from Recalled Component :
The notification document outlines the procedure to allow the units that
are found to be bent (but not cracked) to be modified and used as a 40 ft
container trailer only. If cracking of the mid-beam has occurred, the unit is
not to be used.
Identify How/When Recall Condition
was Corrected in Production :
The product was discontinued. The remedy for units in the field is to
adapt the trailer to transport a 40 Ft container only. The loading for a 40
Ft container re-distributes the load to the front and rear of the trailer in
lieu of the center. The center mounts for the 20 ft container are to be
eliminated to no longer allow the transport of a 20 Ft container.
The existing design has not been manufactured since the end of June 2022
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-767 Page 4
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : A draft of the recall safety bulletin has been prepared and is ready for
distribution to the customers upon approval by NHTSA
The Safety Bulletin with full outline and instructions will be distributed to
dealers and owners of the trailers immediately upon approval by NHTSA.
We will be employing a third party to locate the trailers in
question.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : NOV 20, 2023 – DEC 08, 2023
Planned Owner Notification Date : NOV 20, 2023 – DEC 08, 2023
* NR – Not Reported

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IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 1
Pratt Intermodal Chassis
Model GN30402-EC-6P
Owner/Purchaser Letter
NHTSA Recall ID 23V-767
November 30th, 2023
Dear Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Pratt Intermodal Chassis (PIC) has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain Pratt Intermodal Chassis (PIC) chassis model GN30402-EC-6P trailers. The potential for a structural failure exists between the front gooseneck section and the mid-rail under certain load conditions. This can result in bending or cracking of the mid beam of the chassis when a fully loaded or overloaded 20-foot container is mounted to the trailer. Bending the chassis makes it difficult to remove the container, and it is a precursor to future cracking if not remedied. If cracking occurs during operation, the retracted landing gears will contact the road and the gooseneck portion of the trailer will be at a severe upward angle. Continued travel under this condition could result in complete failure of the trailer, and if the twist locks connecting the trailer to the container fail or are not fully engaged the load could be separated from the tractor and/or the trailer, resulting in an increased risk of a crash. This notice provides an inspection and repair procedure as outlined below. This inspection and repair procedure is required to be performed on all GN30402-EC-6P trailers built during the months of December 2021 through June 2022., The inspection process is expected to take 20 minutes. The repair procedure is expected to take 1.5 hours. The involved VIN listing also appears below. Reimbursement for the repairs and inspection will be issued upon submission of your receipts and repair records. See page two for more detailed information on the reimbursement process.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 2
SUBJECT
Structural issue when carrying 20 ft containers.
1.
All PIC GN304302-EC-6P chassis with the following VIN’s are required to have an inspection for failure as shown following. See below steps and diagrams for specifics of the inspection and repair procedure.
2.
If cracks exist in the area shown in diagram 2 then the unit may NOT be used and must NOT remain on the road. Please contact PIC via email at [email protected] for arrangements to have the chassis returned to the factory for complete frame replacement remedy at PIC’s expense.
3.
If no deformation exists in the area of concern shown in diagrams 1 and 2, you may continue to use the chassis in the 40 ft position only, with the modifications shown in diagrams 3, 4, and 5. Owners or purchasers are to submit receipts for work accomplished for remedy to PIC for reimbursement at a labor rate of $95.00 per hour.
4.
Contact PIC at [email protected] with any questions about performing this inspection and repair procedure.
Beginning on January 1, 2022, if an owner or purchaser incurred costs on VIN numbers identified in the recall to obtain a remedy for the problem addressed by the recall prior to notification of the recall, PIC will reimburse these costs upon submission of paid invoices or receipts at a labor rate of $95.00 per hour with an upper limit of $6,000 USD per unit. Receipts for work accomplished and components purchased for remedy and applicable VIN number must be provided for reimbursement. Owners or purchasers have until March 15, 2024, to submit for reimbursement costs incurred prior to issuance of the Recall notice 23V-767.
Per National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) regulations, you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, NHTSA, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590; or call the tollfree Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1–888–327–4236 (TTY: 1–800–424–9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov, if you believe that: (A) The manufacturer, distributor, or dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect or noncompliance without charge; or (B) The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect or noncompliance without charge within a reasonable time, which is not longer than 60 days in the case of repair after the owner’s first tender to obtain repair following the earliest repair date specified in the notification, unless the period is extended by Administrator.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 3
Federal law requires that you forward a copy of this safety recall notice to the lessee within 10 days.
If you no longer own the vehicle, complete the Change of Ownership on page 10, and mail it or contact Customer Assistance at 269-262-0933.
Inspection and Repair Procedure:
Step 1: Extend the chassis to the 40 FT position or at least far enough to expose the area shown below and highlighted in Diagram 1 and 2.
o
If this area has little or slight deformation but does not show signs of fatigue cracking, then proceed to Step 2 for repair procedure.
o
If fatigue cracks or significant deformation exist, do not use the chassis and contact PIC via email at [email protected] for arrangements to have the chassis returned to the factory for complete frame replacement remedy at PIC’s expense.
Diagram 1
Unit extended for inspection.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 4
Diagram 2
Picture 1
Area of concern:
•
Potential deformation
o
Mid beam will be bent upward as shown in picture 1.
•
Potential crack of beam
Minimal tapered gap (no more than 1 inch) between beams as shown are the signs of deformation of the middle beam.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 5
Picture 2
Excessive Gap between beams as shown are the signs of possible cracks in the middle beam.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 6
Step 2: Diagram 3, fully expand the chassis as shown to the 40 ft position (unit with little or no deformation only) and verify locking pins are engaged.
Diagram 3
Locking Pin location to be fully engaged both roadside and curbside.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 7
Step 3: Diagram 4, welding Process.
o
With the chassis fully extended to the 40 FT position as shown:
o
Verify locking pins are fully engaged.
o
Weld chassis in the position shown in diagram 4.
o
Fully weld completely around the protruding locking pins both roadside and curbside, inside the rail and outside
o
Disconnect the airlines from the locking chambers and cap off airline.
Diagram 4
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 8
Step 4: Removal of Middle Twistlocks.
o
Using plasma torch or cutting wheel, remove twistlock castings from the middle bolster as shown in Diagram 5.
Diagram 5
Step 5: Document repairs and submit photographs with warranty claim to PIC using this warranty number: WC20232417.
o
Upon completion of these steps, chassis can continue to be used to transport 40 ft containers ONLY.
Twist Locks to be removed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 9
Step 6: Remove any decals identifying the ability of the trailer to carry a 20 ft container, and any other decals that may have been added after delivery referring to carrying a 20 ft container. Items 19 and 20 in Diagram 6
Diagram 6
IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL
Pratt Intermodal Chassis Recall 2023 -00001
pg. 10
Change of Ownership
Previous Owners Name: __________________ New Owners Name: ____________________
Owners Address: ____________________________ Phone Number: ___________________
____________________________
____________________________
Pratt Intermodal VIN Numbers Owned (reference above listing)
____________________________ ________________________ __________________________
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____________________________ ________________________ __________________________
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____________________________ ________________________ __________________________
____________________________ ________________________ __________________________
____________________________ ________________________ __________________________

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OMB Control No.: 2127-0004
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-767
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Manufacturer Name : Pratt Intermodal Chassis
Submission Date : NOV 27, 2023
NHTSA Recall No. : 23V-767
Manufacturer Recall No. : 2023-00001
Manufacturer Information :
Manufacturer Name : Pratt Intermodal Chassis
Address : 2070 S 3rd Street
Niles MI 49120
Company phone : 2620933
Population :
Number of potentially involved : 320
Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %
Vehicle Information :
Vehicle 1 : 2022-2023 Pratt Intermodal Chassis GN30402-EC-6P
Vehicle Type : TRAILERS
Body Style : OTHER
Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : The units were selected by the production dates from when Pratt Intermodal Chassis
started production and then until production of this model was stopped.
The design of this particular model only created a condition where the potential for a
structural failure exists between the front gooseneck section and the mid-rail under
certain load conditions and when the chassis is in the 20-foot configuration. This can
result in bending or cracking of the mid beam of the chassis when a fully loaded or
overloaded 20-foot container is mounted to the trailer. The issue is not present when
the chassis is used in the 40-foot configuration because the load is spread across the
entire chassis and does not result in the potential bending condition.
There are 320 Units involved of model GN30402-EC-6P
Production Dates : DEC 06, 2021 – JUN 30, 2022
VIN Range 1 : Begin : 1P9CC4024MN343440 End : 1P9CC4028PN343445 ✔ Not sequential
Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : The design of this model created a condition where the potential for a
structural failure exists between the front gooseneck section and the mid-rail
under certain load conditions and when the chassis is in the 20-foot
configuration.
FMVSS 1 : NR
FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : The defect can result in bending or cracking of the mid beam of the chassis
when a fully loaded or overloaded 20-foot container is mounted to the trailer.
Bending of the chassis makes it difficult to remove the container, and it is a
precursor to future cracking if not remedied. If cracking occurs during
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-767 Page 2
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
operation, the retracted landing gears will contact the road and the
gooseneck portion of the trailer will be at a severe upward angle. Continued
travel under this condition could result in complete failure of the trailer, and
if the twist locks connecting the trailer to the container fail or are not engaged
the load could be separated from the tractor and/or the trailer, resulting in an
increased risk of a crash.
Description of the Cause : The result can be in the bending or cracking of the mid beam of the chassis
when a fully loaded or overloaded 20-foot container is mounted to the trailer.
The issue is not present when the chassis is used in the 40-foot configuration
because the load is spread across the entire chassis and does not result in the
potential bending condition.
Identification of Any Warning
that can Occur :
a) – The bending of the frame is visibly evident prior to any other failure
as shown in the attached document
b) – As with the bending of the frame, the crack that can result is also very
evident.
Involved Components :
Component Name 1 : Inner Beam
Component Description : Front Frame Assembly Inner Beam
Component Part Number : 61029
Supplier Identification :
Component Manufacturer
Name : Pratt Intermodal Chassis
Address : 2070 S 3rd Street
Niles Michigan 49120
Country : United States
Chronology :
• The trailers in question were manufactured between December 2021, through June 2022.
o Production of this model was halted in June 2022 when a single unit was observed to be bent. The unit
was carrying an overweight 20 ft container at the time.
• Pratt Intermodal Chassis was notified by National Chassis, Inc. in September 2022 that one of their
units also suffered a bent midbeam after being used to transport an overweight 20 ft container. No action was
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-767 Page 3
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
taken at this time due to the failure occurring while the chassis was being operated outside its approved
operating limits.
• Pratt Intermodal Chassis was notified by DCLI (Direct Chassis Link Inc) in early October 2023 that
similar units of the same design but produced by prior ownership had similar failures while carrying 20 ft
containers that were within weight limits at the time of failure.
o These two chassis were requested to be shipped to PIC for internal investigation as to cause.
o This investigation led Pratt Intermodal Chassis to reassess the sufficiency of the design of this model to
carry containers at the approved ratings.
• On November 3, 2023, a decision was made to begin the recall process of GN30402-EC-6P chassis
produced by Pratt Intermodal Chassis.
o To date no other reports of bent or cracked trailers manufactured by Pratt Intermodal Chassis have
occurred.
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-767 Page 4
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Description of Remedy :
Description of Remedy Program : We have prepared an outline of the procedure to remedy the defect.
Below is an outline of that remedy. There is included in the document a
complete VIN Listing and diagrams. Step 3 below includes welding the
trailer in the 40 ft position and allowing use in that configuration only.
The chassis VIN’s identified in the attached bulletin are covered by the
structural warranty.
1. All PIC GN304302-EC-6P chassis with the following VIN’s are
required to have an inspection for failure as shown following. See below
steps and diagrams for specifics of the inspection and repair procedure.
2. If cracks exist in the area shown in diagram 2 then the unit may
NOT be used and must NOT remain on the road. Please contact PIC via
email at [email protected] for arrangements to have the chassis
returned to the factory for a complete frame replacement.
3. If no deformation exists in the area of concern shown in diagrams
1 and 2, you may continue to use the chassis in the 40 ft position only, with
the modifications shown in diagrams 3, 4, and 5. Owners or purchasers are
to submit receipts for work accomplished for remedy to PIC for
reimbursement at a labor rate of $95.00 per hour.
4. Contact PIC at [email protected] with any questions
about performing this inspection and repair procedure.
Beginning on January 1, 2022, if an owner or purchaser incurred costs on
VIN numbers identified in the recall to obtain a remedy for the problem
addressed by the recall prior to notification of the recall, PIC will
reimburse these costs upon submission of paid invoices or receipts at a
labor rate of $95.00 per hour with an upper limit of $6,000 USD per unit.
Receipts for work accomplished and components purchased for remedy
and applicable VIN number must be provided for reimbursement. Owners
or purchasers have until March 15, 2024, to submit for reimbursement
costs incurred prior to issuance of the Recall notice 23V-767.
How Remedy Component Differs
from Recalled Component :
The notification document outlines the procedure to allow the units that
are found to be bent (but not cracked) to be modified and used as a 40 ft
container trailer only. If cracking of the mid-beam has occurred, the unit is
not to be used.
Identify How/When Recall Condition
was Corrected in Production :
The product was discontinued. The remedy for units in the field is to
adapt the trailer to transport a 40 Ft container only. The loading for a 40
Ft container re-distributes the load to the front and rear of the trailer in
lieu of the center. The center mounts for the 20 ft container are to be
eliminated to no longer allow the transport of a 20 Ft container.
The existing design has not been manufactured since the end of June 2022
Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-767 Page 5
The information contained in this report was submitted pursuant to 49 CFR §573
Recall Schedule :
Description of Recall Schedule : A draft of the recall safety bulletin has been prepared and is ready for
distribution to the customers upon approval by NHTSA
The Safety Bulletin with full outline and instructions will be distributed to
dealers and owners of the trailers immediately upon approval by NHTSA.
We will be employing a third party to locate the trailers in
question.
Planned Dealer Notification Date : DEC 04, 2023 – JAN 12, 2024
Planned Owner Notification Date : DEC 04, 2023 – JAN 12, 2024
* NR – Not Reported

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