What is transloading?

Transloading is the mixing of transportation modes to better support and satisfy the needs of the customer. By blending the benefits of shipping by rail and local/short haul trucking, the Batavia Transload Warehouse can provide more flexible solutions for customers who may not be located on our freight railroads as well as those who have existing side tracks but need expanded warehousing. Transloading works for many commodities including finished and unfinished goods, fresh food and beverage products, lumber, paper, metals, building materials, a variety of packaged bulk commodities as well as special shipments that cannot travel their entire route by road.

Transloading can be used as a cost saving measure when pursuing rail service. Transloading allows for the customer to reduce the costs of using rail freight. It improves flexibility and improves reliability within the supply chain. Transloading is a viable option whenever a customer does not currently have railroad tracks into or at their facility. Transloading can also be used to supplement existing rail capacity without increasing capital expenditure.

How it works...
When companies need to move material by rail and either the shipper or the consignee does not have direct rail access, a Transload is often the best answer. Transloading works both ways. Whether it is railcar to truck or truck to railcar, the transload process is easy and efficient. Follow the diagram below to better understand the process. Also, you may download our presentation on Transloading.

Ship.
The loaded railcar is shipped from its origin headed for the transload site. Car types including boxcars, gondolas and flatcars carrying unitized commodities. Hoppers and tanks typically carry bulk commodities. Each car type is purpose-built for the commodity being hauled.

Receive.
The freight car is received by the transload's host railroad. After receipt by the host railroad, the freight car is spotted or placed at the transload.

Unload.
The contents of the freight car are then removed safely and efficiently. Bulk commodities are unloaded in one of several ways, gravity outlets, pneumatically, or by a mechanical nature. Unloading boxcars, gondolas and flatcars is accomplished using forklifts, cranes and other lifting implements.

Store.
Sometimes at the option of the customer, the transload will store the commodity on-site until the customer requests the material. This is often the case with non-perishable goods. Both short-term and long-term storage agreements can be used as necessary.

Transload.
The commodity is transloaded to short-haul trucks for the final leg of the journey and the cycle is complete. The transload process works just as well when goods are trucked to the transload and loaded into railcars.

GVT Served Transloads:
Batavia Transload Warehouse in Batavia, NY
Linde Corporation Transload in Carbondale, PA
Bulkmatic Transport Co. Transload in Scranton, PA

To speak with our Business Development Team, please contact:

Director of Business Development: David Blount (610) 384-5082 (office) or (610) 213-6725 (cell)

VP Transportation: Greg Cheshier (585) 343-5398

Transload Center Manager: Mike Fitzsimmons (585) 343-2977