In intermodal and port drayage, small operational decisions can have a big impact on cost. One of the most effective — and often misunderstood — strategies is the street turn.
If you import or export containers through NY/NJ ports, understanding how street turns work can help you reduce empty miles, lower costs, and speed up container availability.
What Is a Street Turn?
A street turn (also called a reuse or direct interchange) occurs when an empty import container is reused for an export load without being returned to the port or rail yard first.
Instead of:
- Delivering an import container
- Returning the empty container to the terminal
- Picking up another empty container for export
A street turn allows the driver to:
- Deliver the import
- Take the same empty container directly to the export shipper
This eliminates unnecessary moves and wasted time.
Why Street Turns Save Money
Street turns benefit both shippers and carriers. Here’s how they reduce costs:
1. Fewer Empty Moves
Empty container repositioning (deadhead miles) adds cost without adding value. Street turns cut out an entire empty trip.
2. Lower Drayage Costs
With fewer terminal visits and less mileage, carriers can often offer more competitive pricing on street-turn-eligible loads.
3. Reduced Port Congestion
Avoiding extra gate moves helps reduce congestion at busy terminals like Maher, APM, and PNCT.
4. Faster Turnaround
Containers move faster from import to export, helping shippers meet cutoffs and avoid delays.
When Can a Street Turn Be Used?
Street turns are not automatic. They depend on several conditions:
✅ The shipping line must approve the reuse
✅ The container size and type must match the export booking
✅ The container must be clean and cargo-ready
✅ Timing must align between import delivery and export pickup
If any of these conditions are not met, a street turn may not be possible.
Why Working With the Right Carrier Matters?
A carrier experienced in NY/NJ port drayage can:
- Identify street-turn opportunities early
- Coordinate approvals with steamship lines
- Reduce risk of demurrage, detention, and missed cutoffs
At the port level, execution matters just as much as planning.
Need Help with NY/NJ Port Drayage or Street Turns?
Our team is based in Secaucus, NJ, and specializes in NY/NJ port and intermodal drayage, including street turns, pre-pulls, and appointment-based deliveries.
👉 Contact us today to see if a street turn can work for your shipment — and help you save time and money.