GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jul 19, 2026
Inter-Terminal Transfer
When a vessel calls at a different terminal at short notice or an empty container has to be returned to another depot, the freight forwarder orders an inter-terminal transfer (German: Umfuhr).
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Source: https://ct-hs.de/hafen/kundenservice/lexikon
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Definition & Explanation
When a vessel calls at a different terminal at short notice or an empty container has to be returned to another depot, the freight forwarder orders an inter-terminal transfer (German: Umfuhr). The term describes the local movement of a container between terminals, depots or packing facilities within the same port or economic area – as a separate additional service outside the actual main leg of transport. Typical triggers are terminal changes of vessels, customs examinations, congested or disrupted facilities – for example after operational shutdowns at a container terminal – and the return of empty containers to a specific empty container depot. The costs are billed separately as transfer charges and are not included in regular handling fees; in disruption cases they are a frequent point of dispute between freight forwarder, shipping line and terminal operator. Not to be confused with transshipment, where goods change from one means of transport to another – in an inter-terminal transfer the container remains a closed unit travelling its own short leg.
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