The Rising Importance of IPI Transload in Today’s Supply Chain
By Todd Davis, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing at STG Logistics
In today’s dynamic supply chain landscape, shippers are re-evaluating their inland transportation strategies with renewed urgency. One solution gaining significant traction is IPI (Inland Point Intermodal) transload — the practice of transferring goods from ocean containers into domestic 53’ trailers or rail containers for inland distribution. As global trade patterns shift and supply chains demand greater speed, flexibility, and cost control, IPI transload has emerged as a critical tool for importers.
Why IPI Transload Is Trending Now
1. Port Congestion and Fluidity
With shifting trade routes and periodic congestion at coastal gateways, importers need to move freight inland quickly and efficiently. Transloading near the port allows shippers to clear marine terminals faster, reduce dwell times, and improve port fluidity—critical advantages during peak shipping seasons.
2. Equipment Imbalance and Container Utilization
Steamship lines are eager to reposition their ocean containers back to origin markets as quickly as possible. Transloading freight into domestic 53’ containers supports this need while offering shippers better cube utilization. A 53’ trailer holds up to 35 percent more product than a standard 40’ ocean container, reducing the number of inland moves required and lowering per-unit transportation costs.
In addition, when freight is transloaded into 53’ intermodal containers for inland movement, those containers can later be reloaded for domestic usage rather than returning empty. This approach not only enhances equipment efficiency but also contributes to sustainability by reducing empty miles and maximizing container productivity across multiple legs of the journey.
Transloading at the gateway also reduces the number of long-haul drayage moves required inland. By consolidating shipments into 53’ containers near the port, shippers can limit redundant drayage activity—cutting down on fuel consumption, emissions, and associated accessorial costs.
3. Flexibility in Mode and Destination
Transloading provides shippers with optionality. Freight can move inland via intermodal rail for cost efficiency or via truckload for speed and service-critical deliveries. This flexibility is particularly important in today’s uncertain freight market, where demand patterns shift quickly, and retailers must react fast.
Additionally, transloading enables shippers to split heavily loaded containers into the proper mode for final-mile delivery. For example, STG Logistics works with an auto manufacturer bringing in heavy containers through the LA/Long Beach gateway. By unloading and redistributing freight weight at its Long Beach facility, STG can optimize loads for truck delivery to San Diego, reducing permitting costs and improving last-mile efficiency.
4. Sustainability Considerations
By optimizing inland moves—reducing the number of containers needed and leveraging intermodal rail—IPI transload contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The ability to reuse domestic 53’ containers for multiple legs within the U.S. network, rather than sending empty ocean containers back to their origin ports, further enhances sustainability. Fewer drayage miles and more efficient inland routing together deliver tangible environmental and cost-saving benefits.
5. Inventory Positioning and Resilience
Near-port transloading facilities allow shippers to make decisions closer to demand signals. Instead of committing freight to a final inland destination while it’s still on the water, shippers can adjust once containers hit the port, re-routing goods to where they are most needed. This agility reduces risk and strengthens resilience in the face of demand volatility.
Why It Matters for Shippers Today
The IPI transload model is no longer just a “cost play”—it’s a strategic enabler. Importers who leverage transload gain:
- Speed to market: Faster port turns and direct-to-store or DC replenishment.
- Cost efficiency: Fewer inland moves, better container utilization, and lower per-unit costs.
- Resilience: Flexibility to pivot as demand, capacity, or network conditions change.
- Sustainability: Reduced carbon footprint through smarter inland moves and multi-use domestic container cycles.
At a time when supply chains are balancing cost pressures with service demands, IPI transload represents a forward-looking solution that positions shippers for both near-term efficiency and long-term adaptability.
How STG Logistics Supports This Shift
As a leader in containerized logistics and transloading solutions, STG Logistics has built one of the largest nationwide networks of near-port transload facilities. With deep expertise in IPI programs, domestic consolidation, and intermodal integration, STG is uniquely positioned to help importers capitalize on the advantages of transload—unlocking efficiencies, accelerating inland distribution, and building more resilient supply chains.
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