Cargo Transshipment: When Is It Beneficial?

In some logistics chains, transshipment is not just an option but a necessity. For multimodal transportation, transshipment—unloading from one mode of transport and loading into another without warehouse storage—saves time and can be the most cost-effective delivery method.

What Is Transshipment?

Transshipment is the process of moving cargo from one transport vehicle to another without intermediate storage in a warehouse.

When Is Transshipment Used?

When cargo is delivered to a railway station and must be transferred to a truck for final delivery.
When goods are loaded into containers by road transport and then transferred to rail for long-distance shipping.
When goods arrive in a country by one mode of transport (e.g., by sea) and are delivered to the recipient by another mode (e.g., rail), and the original container is unsuitable for further transport.
When cargo needs to be divided into smaller shipments for multiple recipients or combined into one container for a single consignee.
When containers need to be quickly unloaded at the destination to free up transport for further use.
When the logistics route does not include warehouse storage.

How Is Transshipment Performed?

Transshipment adds a link to the logistics chain, which increases handling and the risk of damage. It is typically a planned process, and clients may request a separate agreement for transshipment services. Alternatively, transshipment clauses, including cost and responsibilities, may be included in the general transportation contract.

To ensure cargo arrives intact, shippers must use durable packaging that can withstand multiple loading and unloading operations.

Responsibilities of the Transport Company:
Develop an optimal route.
Plan pallet loading schemes tailored to the cargo.
Arrange a suitable transshipment location.

During all stages of transshipment—inspection, unloading, loading, and vehicle sealing—video recording is conducted. A formal report is prepared to document the process.

When Is Transshipment Cost-Effective?

Transshipment is beneficial in any scenario where it reduces delivery time and eliminates the need for warehouse storage. For example:
When a truck delivers containers directly to a rail yard for immediate transfer into railcars.
When transshipment simplifies the logistics process and minimizes idle time for transport vehicles.

How CargoTetris Helps Avoid Transshipment Issues

With modern algorithms, CargoTetris ensures complete control over every step of cargo loading and transshipment between vehicles.

Key Features:
Manually input cargo or upload data via Excel.
Choose from predefined cargo spaces (vans, containers, trailers, pallets) or create custom spaces based on your requirements.
The system calculates the most efficient way to fill the selected space with your cargo.
Accounts for loading order, stackability, and rotation requirements.

Using the CargoTetris cargo space planner, you can optimize cargo transportation processes, save time on transshipment, and ensure efficient handling during the transfer process.

Example of Cargo Distribution in a Van Using CargoTetris

By visualizing and planning cargo placement, CargoTetris streamlines the transshipment process and reduces the risk of delays or errors. Try it for free and experience how it simplifies and optimizes your logistics operations.

Learn more and start your free trial at cargotetris.com.