Rail-to-truck transloading in Iowa

Transloading combines the strengths of rail transportation and trucking for flexible, cost-effective freight movement. At Logistics Park Cedar Rapids (LPCR), our spacious transloading facility with three rail tracks allows for efficient transfers between railcars and trucks. As a one-stop-shop for transload services, LPCR provides on-site operators and equipment to streamline freight handling and ensure seamless service.

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Rail-to-truck transloading in Iowa

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Logistics Park Cedar Rapids transloading rail tracks

What is transloading?

Transloading is a logistics process that involves transferring goods from one mode of transportation to another during their journey from the manufacturer to the final destination. This process is essential when a single mode of transport cannot cover the entire route. For example, a shipment might start its journey on a truck, be transferred to a train for the long haul, and then be moved back to a truck for final delivery.

One of the primary benefits of transloading services is their flexibility. Transloading logistics allows businesses to optimize their supply chains by choosing the most efficient and cost-effective transportation modes for different segments of the journey. This can lead to significant cost savings and improved delivery times. Additionally, transloading solutions can help mitigate risks associated with transportation disruptions, such as port congestion or rail delays, by providing alternative routes and modes of transport.

Transloading facilities are designed to handle the transfer of goods efficiently and safely. These facilities often include transloading warehouses with cross-docking, rail yards, and specialized equipment for handling bulk materials. Overall, transloading is a vital component of modern logistics, enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of global supply chains and deliver products to customers more effectively.

Transloading benefits

One of the key advantages of transloading at LPCR is access to rail networks, even if your production facility isn’t directly connected to rail tracks. Shippers that rely primarily on trucking can benefit from the cost savings and fuel efficiency of rail transport through CRANDIC Rail’s connections to Class 1 railroads. By leveraging our transload services, businesses can expand their reach into new markets that may be too far to serve affordably by truck alone.

Transloading equipment

LPCR's bulk transload facility offers both self-service and full-service transloading options, supported by our on-site material handlers, to meet your business needs. Our advanced transloading equipment includes a rail car mover, three types of conveyors, forklifts (including an extendable-reach forklift), and a portable boxcar dock, ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer process for a wide range of commodities.

Transloading commodities

We handle a variety of cargo, including:

Agricultural bulk products - grains, corn, soybeans, starch, gluten-meal, soybean meal
Construction materials - shingles, lumber, rebar, drywall, steel
Animal feed
Plastics
Fertilizer
Consumer retail goods

Why Choose LPCR?

Transloading solutions at LPCR optimizes your supply chain, reduces transportation and storage costs, and expands your market reach. Our facility combines the strengths of rail and trucking, offering seamless coordination and handling of nearly any type of cargo. With quick access to I-380 and I-80, an on-site truck scale, and a team of experienced logistics professionals, we ensure timely deliveries and efficient resource management. Whether you need to transfer bulk materials, unload containers, or store assets, LPCR provides flexible, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to keep your business moving forward.

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