Vrachtterminals

Vrachtterminals, or freight terminals, are facilities where goods are transferred between transportation modes, stored, and prepared for further movement. They are located at ports, rail hubs, and inland locations and serve as interface points in supply chains. The term covers container terminals, bulk terminals, breakbulk, and Ro-Ro terminals, as well as refrigerated terminals for perishable cargo.

Container terminals handle intermodal containers using ship-to-shore cranes, yard cranes, reach stackers, and other equipment. Bulk terminals handle dry or liquid bulk using conveyors, pipelines, silos, and loaders. Ro-Ro terminals accommodate vehicles and wheeled cargo. Reefer facilities maintain temperature-controlled storage for perishables. Each terminal supports receiving, storage, consolidation, and dispatch, as well as intermodal transfers between ships, trucks, and trains.

Operations include gate in/out processes, documentation and customs clearance, yard management, and safety and security procedures. Capacity is measured by quay length, yard area, and handling productivity, often reported in TEU per hour for containers or tonnes per hour for bulk. Ownership varies from port authorities to private terminal operators; many are managed under concession agreements with shipping lines, logistics firms, or consortia.

Trends in the sector include automation, digitalization, and improved hinterland connectivity, aiming to increase throughput, reduce dwell times, and lower emissions. Key challenges include congestion, truck queuing, and the need for integrated intermodal infrastructure to support efficient cargo flows.