Two different workflows
Imports move from the terminal or ramp to the receiver and then to an empty return. Exports begin with an empty release or loaded pickup and finish with a loaded return before the applicable receiving window and cutoff.
Import and export drayage
Seattle/Tacoma import delivery and export container return
SP Logistics handles import container delivery and export drayage through Seattle/Tacoma marine terminals and local rail ramps. Dispatch coordinates release, pickup, receiver or loading-site timing, equipment, and final return.
Service context
Imports and exports follow different sequences
Import delivery ends with empty return; export work ends with a loaded return before the applicable receiving window and cutoff.
Import container delivery
- Confirm terminal or ramp release, availability, LFD, container, size, weight, and chassis.
- Match pickup timing to the receiver appointment, site access, and live-unload or drop plan.
- Confirm empty-ready notice, return facility, chassis return, and closeout contact.
Export container return
- Confirm booking, empty pickup or loaded pickup instructions, container size, chassis, and loading site.
- Provide the load-ready time, legal gross weight, site contact, and any customer-loading window.
- Confirm terminal receiving hours, cutoff, loaded-return reference, and equipment closeout.
Receiver or loading-site access
Send the entrance, appointment, site contact, truck access, unloading or loading responsibility, and expected time on site.
Pre-pull and Tacoma yard timing
A pre-pull or staging plan may be reviewed when LFD, cutoff, receiver readiness, or customer loading creates a timing gap.
Customer responsibilities
The customer controls packing, loading, cargo securement, customs, export documents, booking, and ocean arrangements unless a separate written scope says otherwise.
Information for the quote
- Import or export, facility, booking or delivery order, container, release, and timing.
- Size, gross weight, chassis, equipment, and loaded or empty status.
- Receiver or loading-site address, appointment, contact, access, and service method.
- Empty return or loaded export return, cutoff, chassis return, and closeout.
Freight forwarder and international mover requests
Forwarders and international movers can request the local origin or destination trucking leg while keeping booking, documents, packing, loading, and ocean arrangements with the responsible party.
Dispatch guidance
How do import and export drayage workflows differ?
Import drayage begins after release and moves the container toward the receiver; export drayage positions equipment for loading and returns the loaded container before cutoff. The two workflows share equipment and closeout facts but should not be blended.
SP Logistics reviews post-release import trucking and export positioning or return through Seattle/Tacoma facilities.
Apply this answer
- Is this a released import delivery or an export positioning and loaded-return move?
- What facility, release or booking, last free day or cutoff, container, and verified weight apply?
- What receiver or shipper timing, chassis, loading, return, and closeout facts remain open?
Request an import or export drayage quote
Include the facility, container, release or booking, timing, site, weight, chassis, and return plan.