Part 3 · Running the move · Recipe 15 of 22

Pick up at a rail ramp

A ramp works like a small terminal with a faster clock. Free time is short and storage starts quickly.

Jonathan Sinton Jonathan Sinton · Checked November 14, 2026

You need

  • The railroad's arrival notice
  • The pickup number
  • An interchange agreement that covers the railroad
  • A chassis, if the ramp is grounded

Steps

  1. Wait for the noticeThe railroad sends it when the container is ready. Free time starts from that notice.
  2. Check the free timeIt is on the notice or in the railroad's rules. It is often one or two days.
  3. Get the pickup numberThe customer or the ocean carrier gives it to you. The gate will not release the box without it.
  4. Check your accessThe railroad must have you on file under the UIIA.
  5. Pick up and return the same way as a port moveKeep both interchange receipts.

Watch out

Weekends may count toward rail free time. Read the railroad's rule.
A delay in the railroad's billing can hold a box that is physically there.

Look it up

Rail ramps Rail billing delay Free time

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