When you have items that need to move from one mode of transportation to another, you’re dealing with transloading. In most cases, transloading occurs when an object or container is picked up from the port after being dropped off by ocean freight, then brought to a warehouse where it is unloaded and stored until it’s ready for final delivery via cargo truck.

When is Transloading Necessary?

There are particular instances when transloading services are most likely needed:

1. To encourage customers to empty containers so freight boats can use them for other shipments, ocean carriers charge far more than warehouses to occupy their containers past a certain number of days. If you are importing or exporting long distances, transloading can help you save on per diem, or detention, costs. Warehouse storage is significantly less expensive than ocean container storage.

2. When a single shipment needs to be unloaded, unpacked, and split out onto multiple pallets and trucks for distribution, transloading is your best option. Professional packing and shipping businesses will do the work of repacking and loading your cargo onto the appropriate vehicle, giving you peace of mind that your items will arrive safely.

Transloading vs. Cross-Docking

Transloading should not be confused for cross-docking. In cross-docking, multiple boats or shipments come into one particular dock where items are consolidated and placed on trucks for delivery to retailers and suppliers within 24 hours of being dropped off.

On the other hand, transloading is specific to instances where the shipments are stored within a warehouse to be put onto pallets. Often, ocean containers are floor-loaded, so repackaging for truck travel can help reduce storage costs and increase the efficiency of inventory delivery.

Total Export, Inc. Provides All-in-One Transloading Services

We specialize in packing your items safely and effectively, no matter how delicate, heavy, or oversized. We take the time to choose measurements and materials to ensure that your items arrive intact and at a fair cost. Additionally, we have over 60,000 square feet of warehouse space, and we are in a drop-free zone just steps from the Northeast Minneapolis rail yard. That means that getting your shipment on its way won’t cost you any extra!

Give Total Export, Inc. a call (612-788-9777) to learn more about ways that we work tirelessly to ensure that each and every customer has a positive, stress-free experience while working with us to solve all of your shipping woes.