Container Freight Station (CFS)

What is a Container Freight Station?

A CFS is a facility where cargo is loaded into or unloaded from containers, generally used for cargo consolidation and deconsolidation. These facilities are crucial hubs in the logistics industry, located near ports or major transportation hubs. They serve as points where cargo is transferred between different transportation modes.

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Why are Container Freight Stations important?

Container Freight Stations are important because they facilitate efficient cargo handling, particularly for small shippers who do not have enough cargo to fill an entire container. Using a CFS, these shippers can benefit from the economies of scale associated with container shipping. CFSs also play a critical role in international trade by speeding up container turnaround times and reducing congestion at port facilities.

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How does a Container Freight Station operate?

A CFS operates by handling cargo that is not shipped directly in full container loads (FCL). Instead, it deals with less-than-container loads (LCL), consolidating multiple shipments from different shippers into a single container or splitting up the contents of a container into smaller shipments for different recipients. This process optimizes container space and reduces shipping costs for individual shippers.