Drayage and Unloading: What Happens After a Container Arrives at the Port?

What Is Drayage?

Drayage is short-distance trucking of an ocean container from a port or rail ramp to a warehouse or transloading facility. In Southern California, this usually means LA/Long Beach port to a nearby warehouse.

What Is Container Unloading?

Container unloading (devanning) removes cargo from the ocean container. Cargo may be floor-loaded cartons, palletized goods, machinery, or oversized items.

What Is Transloading?

Transloading moves cargo from one mode to another — unloading from a container, sorting/palletizing at a warehouse, then shipping by LTL, FTL, or local delivery to final destinations.

When Do You Need This?

• Final destination cannot unload a container
• Cargo goes to multiple US destinations
• Need palletizing, labeling, storage, or inspection
• Converting container freight into LTL/FTL shipments

What Info Is Needed for a Quote?

1. Port or rail ramp location
2. Container size (20/40/40HQ/45)
3. Container availability date and last free day
4. Cargo type, weight, dimensions
5. Warehouse address and unloading requirements
6. Final delivery destinations

Get a Drayage Quote

Get an instant drayage quote or learn more about warehouse transloading services on ShipOnlines.