Using a Deconsolidation Point

Freight shipments that were once consolidated before leaving across the ocean do not stay that way forever. Eventually, the shipments will have to be separated after arriving at the port and before they depart by domestic transportation to their destination. That is why a deconsolidation point or, also called a deconsolidation center, exists when you are shipping ocean freight. At the deconsolidation point, the workers will break down the previously consolidated shipment (it can be bulk, loose or containerized), and prepare them for their delivery on truck or rail in the country of origin. By looking at the definition, the deconsolidation point is the opposite of the consolidation point, which groups shipments together before leaving on the ocean freight vessel. It is also similar to a merge in transit, which means that the goods from multiple sources receive consolidation before shipping together.

Logistics providers offer deconsolidation services for many reasons. In theory, the deconsolidation point will save time and money, because the alternative would be too costly in the shipping of international cargo. If the freight is broken down and deconsolidated, then it will limit the number of unnecessary domestic deliveries. An example of deconsolidation would be breaking down cargo into smaller shipments after arriving at the port of destination. The main challenges with the deconsolidation point involve the timing of the shipments and the storage obstacles used for multiple shipments at different times. For many shippers, the deconsolidation point remains an important step in the shipping process of cargo.