Drayage
The transportation of a container between the port or rail ramp and its next destination.
Warehouse & transfers
Transloading
Cargo moved from one container or trailer to another so it can continue to its final destination, often from an ocean container into a truck for inland transportation.
When to choose it
When transloading makes sense
Transloading is useful when the container that brought your cargo isn’t the best way to finish the inland journey.
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Your import travels inland
Cargo that arrives by ocean can be moved from the container into trucks for the rest of the journey, especially when the inland distance is longer.
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It goes to more than one place
One container’s load can be unloaded and split across multiple trucks headed to different destinations.
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You want the container back sooner
Unloading near the port allows the container to be returned sooner, which can help reduce the risk of additional per diem charges.
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It needs to be palletized
Freight can be unloaded, separated and palletized before being loaded onto trucks for final delivery.
What to expect
How we handle your transloading
We coordinate the move from the container to the warehouse and from the warehouse to final delivery.
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A plan for the whole move
Tell us where the container is, what’s inside and where the cargo needs to go. We’ll coordinate the transloading and transportation around it.
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Unloading and reloading
Cargo is unloaded from the container, separated by destination when needed, and loaded into the appropriate trucks.
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Palletizing when needed
Loose freight can be palletized before transportation, making it easier to handle and protect during the road move.
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Final delivery by truck
Your cargo can continue by full truckload, less than truckload or another appropriate transportation option, depending on the freight and delivery requirements.
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What we can and can’t move
We handle a wide range of commercial freight. Prohibited goods, explosives and hazardous materials that are not permitted under applicable regulations are not accepted. Freight requiring special handling is reviewed before the move is arranged.
Compare
Transloading or direct container delivery?
Both can get imported cargo to its destination. The difference is what happens to the container along the way.
| Feature | Transloading | Direct container delivery |
|---|---|---|
| The container | Unloaded near the port and returned | Travels all the way to the destination |
| Destinations | Cargo can be split across multiple trucks | One delivery for the entire container |
| Container time | Returned after unloading | Kept until the cargo is unloaded |
| Best for | Longer inland moves or multiple destinations | A single destination for the entire load |
FAQ
Questions about Transloading
What does transloading mean?
Transloading means moving freight from one piece of equipment or mode of transportation to another, such as from an ocean container to a truck. A common example is picking up a container at the port, unloading it at a warehouse and reloading the cargo into trucks for final delivery.
What does a transload fee cover?
A transload fee covers the work performed at the warehouse, including unloading and separating the freight, palletizing it when needed, and loading it onto trucks for delivery.
Why transload instead of trucking the container?
Transloading can allow you to return the container sooner, split the cargo across multiple destinations and choose the right over-the-road transportation for the inland portion of the journey.
What kind of cargo can be transloaded?
Many types of commercial freight can be transloaded, from building materials and packaged products to furniture and larger items. Tell us what you’re shipping and we’ll confirm whether it can be handled.
How do I get a transloading quote?
Use the form on this page or give us a call. Tell us where the container is, what’s inside and where the cargo needs to go.
Next options
Other ways to move your freight
Full Truckload (FTL)
A dedicated truck or trailer for your shipment, providing direct transportation from pickup to delivery without sharing trailer space with other freight.
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
Your freight shares trailer space with other shipments, making it a practical option when you do not need a full truck. You pay for the portion of the trailer your shipment uses.
Not sure transloading is what you need?
Answer a couple of quick questions and our assistant will point you to the right service.
Free quote
Get a quote for Transloading
Tell us where the container is, what’s inside and where the cargo needs to go. We’ll review the details and come back with options for the move.