Transloading and Import
Freight Movement

Freight can follow any number of potential paths while moving inland from global points of entry. As key transfer points in the supply chain, transload facilities help connect international imports to inland rail and truck networks. Transload and intermodal services work in tandem to support the movement of freight beyond the port.

What is Transloading?

Transloading is the transfer of freight from one container, trailer or transportation mode to another. The process is frequently used to complete the first mile of the supply chain journey for international imports. Arriving in ocean containers, transloaded imports are then unloaded and reloaded into domestic containers for inland transportation.

For example, freight arriving in a 40-foot ocean container may be transferred into a 53-foot domestic container before moving by rail or truck to its final destination.

Moving International Imports: Inland Point Intermodal (IPI) vs Transloading

Transloading international imports into domestic containers is just one approach for the first mile. Another viable option is inland point intermodal (IPI), also known as direct drayage. With IPI, the ocean container remains intact and is transferred directly to rail for inland movement.

It’s important to understand that there are differences between IPI and domestic intermodal. Because both use rail as part of the inland transportation journey, they are often mistaken for the same service. However, the two approaches differ significantly in how freight is handled and equipment is used. Learn more about intermodal here.

Inland Point Intermodal, or Direct Drayage:
With IPI/direct drayage, the ocean container remains intact as it moves inland. Because IPI often includes multiple points of contact across various providers, it can result in less control, slower speeds and higher accessorial costs.

Transloading:
Transloading provides an alternative approach. Freight is transferred at a transload facility, consolidated into domestic containers and then moved inland via rail or truck. Transloading can provide greater control, improve visibility as freight moves through the supply chain and can make it easier to pivot between rail and truck when needed.

Example of IPI vs Transloading: Consider a shipment moving from Qingdao, China, through the Port of Tacoma, Washington, and ultimately to a warehouse in Chicago, Illinois.

The ocean portion of the shipment remains the same regardless of the inland strategy, with transit times of approximately 16 -18 days. Differences begin during the first mile. Once the shipment arrives at port, the freight can either continue inland in the original ocean container through IPI or be transloaded into domestic equipment for inland transportation.

How the Transloading Process Works

Transloading helps connect international imports to inland transportation networks by transferring freight between containers and transportation modes during the first mile.

The process typically follows these steps:

1. Freight arrives at a port in an ocean container
2. Freight is transferred to a transload facility
3. Cargo is consolidated into domestic containers
4. Freight moves inland by rail or truck
5. Freight is delivered to its destination

Transloading Facilities

Transloading facilities serve as first mile transfer points where freight moves between containers, trailers or transportation modes. Located near major ports and inland freight corridors, these facilities help support the movement of international imports to their final destinations.

The map above shows J.B. Hunt transload facility locations across the United States.

Benefits of Transloading

Navigating the global supply chain can be unpredictable and expensive. Delays, bottlenecks and natural disasters can all cause disruptions to shipments getting delivered on time. Transloading and intermodal services can improve flexibility and help businesses better manage freight movement and transportation costs.

Some of the main benefits of transloading include:

- Added control
- Increased visibility
- Shorter and more consistent transit times
- Cost savings through container consolidation