Transloading to Tame the Imbalance: How Smart Moves Solve Container Shortages

Container imbalances and transloading are at the top of many shippers' minds nationwide. Port congestion, equipment shortages, and shifting global trade flows mean empty containers often aren’t where you need them, and repositioning costs are rising quickly.

At Terminal Transfer, we help clients offset this challenge with flexible transloading solutions that improve flow, reduce equipment bottlenecks, and keep freight moving.

What’s Driving Container Imbalances?

• Global trade shifts are disrupting long-standing container flows.

• Export-heavy ports struggle to get empties when too many containers head inland.

• Return logistics delays leave equipment tied up at rail hubs or far from ports.

• Repositioning costs are becoming unsustainable for many shippers.

The result? Containers out of balance across the supply chain.

Why Transloading Is the Answer

Transloading bridges the gap — here’s how:

• Reduces repositioning costs by shifting cargo from ocean containers to domestic trailers near the port.

• Maximizes equipment availability by freeing ocean containers faster for export or reuse.

• Improves velocity — cargo keeps moving even if port congestion limits empty returns.

• Enhances flexibility with multi-modal options (rail, truck, barge) that adapt to market conditions.

Terminal Transfer’s Transloading Advantage

In the Pacific Northwest, Terminal Transfer provides trusted transloading support:

• Strategic locations near major ports and rail hubs.

• Scalable transload capacity for container surges or equipment shortages.

• Real-time visibility through our advanced tracking tools.

• Expert teams that understand regional container flow dynamics.

Ready to Balance Your Supply Chain?

Container imbalances and transloading don’t have to stall your operations. Terminal Transfer helps you design innovative solutions that turn today’s challenges into improved flow and efficiency opportunities.

Contact us today to learn how our Pacific Northwest transloading expertise can help you manage equipment shortages and keep cargo moving.