Transload Definition

Transloading ocean containers to rail/truck has become quite popular on the West coast near the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. Companies with multiple distribution centers located in various locations throughout the U.S. can potentially save a substantial amount of money by utilizing a 4 to 3 transload or “many to few” transload solution. This solution allows a transload company (many 3PL’s currently offer this service) to transload four inbound 40′ ocean containers into three 53′ outbound domestic trailers thus providing an overall cost benefit on the inland delivery portion of the movement. Other benefits of transloading include the following:

1. Greater flexibility in final disposition of product.
2. Overall reduction in the cost of transportation through improved equipment utilizations and reduced inter-DC transfers.
3. Greater flexibility, product flow control and visibility.
4. Enables merge-in-transit of international product from multiple countries.