GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026

Container loading at terminal

Container loading at a terminal is the process by which containers are lifted onto or off ships, trains, or trucks using specialised handling equipment.

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Last updated: 18 June 2026Published: 22 November 2025

Source: https://www.logisticsmanagement.com

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Logistics Concept

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Definition & Explanation

Container loading at a terminal is the process by which containers are lifted onto or off ships, trains, or trucks using specialised handling equipment. At seaport terminals, ship-to-shore gantry cranes are the primary tool; at inland container depots and rail terminals, reach stackers and rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs) are common. Each lift is tightly coordinated with the terminal's stowage planning and Terminal Operating System (TOS), which assigns every container a precise slot before the crane moves. Delays in the loading sequence directly affect vessel and train departure times, potentially triggering demurrage charges and knock-on disruptions across the supply chain. This operation should not be confused with container stuffing—the physical packing of cargo into a container—which typically happens at the shipper's premises or at a container freight station (CFS).