Transbordos

Transbordos is a term used to describe the transfer of people or goods between vehicles or transport modes. Derived from the Spanish verb transbordar, it denotes the act of moving from one carriage to another, or from one route to another, at a transfer point such as a hub, terminal, or interchange. In logistics, the process is commonly called transshipment and is a key operation in multimodal networks.

In maritime and intermodal logistics, transshipment involves unloading cargo from an arriving vessel and reloading it onto another vessel, train, or truck at the same or another location. It is used to connect routes where direct sailing or shipping does not exist or is less economical. Transshipment terminals typically include cranes or other heavy handling equipment, storage yards, and intermodal containers, and aim to minimize handling times and reduce overall transport costs. Efficiency depends on scheduling, documentation, customs, and cargo type.

In public transportation and urban planning, transbordo refers to a passenger transfer between lines, modes, or services at a hub or interchange. Successful transbordos depend on clear signage, compatible schedules, and minimal walking distances to minimize transfer time and improve network reliability.

Etymology and usage: the term derives from trans- (across) and bordar (to board). Although closely related to transloading, transshipment can imply a formal handoff between carriers, whereas transloading emphasizes the physical transfer of goods between modes. In everyday usage, transbordo and transbordos are widely used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions.