Pickup readiness
Confirm container identification, location, applicable releases and availability before arranging collection.
Ocean Freight
Drayage & port freight, connected to the next leg.
Coordinate container pickup, terminal or ramp handoffs, facility delivery and empty return. Bring release readiness, appointments and equipment requirements into the port transportation plan.
Drayage & Port Transportation
Vessel arrival is not container pickup readiness.
A container may arrive before it is available for collection. Terminal or ramp availability, release status, appointments and the receiving facility's schedule need to align before the inland move can be planned.
Prisma Freight coordinates port transportation around the shipment requirements and the parties responsible for release. The scope can connect the terminal with a warehouse, transload facility or consignee, with equipment and access reviewed for the actual move.
Explore Ocean Freight →Plan collection, receiving and return together.
Facility alignment
Review receiving appointments, unloading methods and whether the container can be accommodated at the destination.
An agreed empty-return plan
Identify the responsible contacts and return instructions instead of treating delivery as the last equipment milestone.
Keep free-time deadlines visible.
Terminal storage and equipment-use arrangements can involve different deadlines. Ask the responsible parties to confirm applicable free time, last-free-day information, appointment availability and empty-return requirements for the booking.
Plan receiving and unloading against those conditions, including any proposed transload. A deadline review supports coordination; it does not guarantee that charges can be avoided when release, terminal or operating conditions change.
Review full container load planning →Operational Requirements
The port move must fit the inland operation.
Terminal and ramp coordination
Confirm the container location, pickup reference information, release contacts and appointment requirements at the applicable port terminal or inland ramp.
Container delivery or transload
Evaluate direct facility delivery versus a cargo transfer to different equipment. Review container access, unloading needs, packaging and the next inland leg.
Empty-container return
Coordinate completion of unloading with the instructed return location, receiving conditions and applicable equipment arrangements.
Shipment Coordination
From released container to completed return.
Import-side drayage commonly connects these milestones. Export deliveries and ramp movements require their own cutoff and handoff review.
Confirm availability
Review the container, terminal or ramp location, release status and applicable deadlines.
Align appointments
Coordinate collection and receiving availability with suitable equipment and site access.
Connect the inland handoff
Move to the agreed facility or transload location and confirm unloading requirements.
Coordinate empty return
Follow the instructed return location and equipment handoff after unloading is complete.
FAQ
Drayage & Port Transportation questions.
What information is needed for a drayage request?
Provide the container number and size/type, weight, terminal or ramp, destination, release contacts and pickup availability if known. Include applicable deadlines, appointments, unloading method and empty-return instructions.
Can a container be collected as soon as the vessel arrives?
Not necessarily. Confirm discharge and pickup availability, applicable customs and terminal release requirements and appointment arrangements with the responsible parties before scheduling collection.
When might a transload be needed instead of direct container delivery?
A transload may fit when the final destination cannot receive the container or the cargo needs different equipment for the next leg. Review handling, packaging, facility arrangements and outbound transportation before committing to the transfer.
Does drayage planning include empty-container return?
Include return requirements in the agreed scope. Confirm unloading timing, the instructed return location, appointment or acceptance conditions and the responsible contacts; do not assume the empty can be returned anywhere.
Let's Move Forward
Make the port-to-facility handoff clear.
Share the container details, terminal or ramp, receiving location and known release or free-time information. Include unloading and empty-return requirements so the complete port move can be reviewed.