What is Transloading?
Transloading is the process of transferring freight from one mode of transportation to another. Most commonly, it refers to unloading goods from ocean containers at a port-area facility and reloading them onto domestic trucks or rail cars.
Transload vs Cross-Dock
- Transload: Mode change, may involve storage
- Cross-dock: Same mode, minimal storage time
Why Transload?
- 53-foot domestic trailers hold more than 40-foot containers
- Avoid demurrage and chassis costs
- Flexibility in delivery scheduling
- Consolidate or deconsolidate shipments
- Quality inspection opportunities
- Relabeling or repackaging
Transload Operations
- Container arrives from port via drayage
- Goods unloaded at transload facility
- Optional: inspection, sorting, relabeling
- Goods loaded onto domestic equipment
- Shipped to final destination
Transload Considerations
- Additional handling cost
- Potential for damage during transfer
- Requires facility near port
- Time for transfer operations
- Labor and equipment needs