By the Ebbrate editorial team · checked 18 October 2026 against the sources at the end
Transloading, defined
The US Federal Highway Administration defines transloading as transferring shipments from the vehicle or container of one mode to that of another at a terminal interchange point. For an importer it usually means unpacking an ocean container near the port and loading the goods onto trucks.
Why importers use transloading
- One ocean container holds goods for several destinations, such as different Amazon fulfilment centres.
- The ocean container goes back to the line sooner, which keeps detention down. See demurrage vs detention.
- Goods are put on pallets or relabelled on the way.
- A larger domestic trailer can carry the contents of more than one ocean container inland.
Transloading and Amazon
Many sellers ship floor-loaded containers from China and transload them near a US port onto pallets that meet Amazon’s rules, then deliver by truck with a booked appointment. See Amazon FBA pallet requirements.
What to check before transloading
- That the goods are released by customs before the container is opened.
- That the transload site can palletise and label to the receiving warehouse’s rules.
- Who is liable for the goods while they are being handled.
Transloading on Ebbrate
Ask for it in the shipment notes, or post the delivery to the fulfilment centre and let carriers price the route they would use; each bid shows its destination costs on their own line.
Sources
A guide, not legal advice: rules change, and your customs broker has the last word on your entry.