What are IPI and RIPI routings?

An Inland Point Intermodal (IPI) routing is one where ocean cargo discharged at a West Coast port moves by rail to an inland destination (such as Chicago or Dallas) under a single through bill of lading managed by the ocean carrier, while Reverse Inland Point Intermodal (RIPI) — sometimes called "mini-land bridge" — describes cargo routed through an alternate or non-direct coastal gateway plus rail, based on carrier capacity, cost, or congestion considerations. Independent dispatch data indicates that IPI cargo moving from Los Angeles/Long Beach to major inland rail hubs typically clears the marine terminal via on-dock or near-dock rail within 1-3 days of discharge when rail ramp capacity is available, compared to longer dwell times for cargo requiring drayage to an off-dock rail yard.

Intermodal Rail: Understanding IPI and RIPI Routings

Cost structure / standard tiers

IPI routing is priced as a through rate from the origin port to the inland destination, bundling ocean and rail legs, with cost varying by rail ramp type and distance.

Routing Type	Description	Typical Cost Characteristic
On-dock rail IPI	Container moves directly from vessel to rail at the marine terminal	Lowest drayage exposure; through rate often most competitive
Near-dock/off-dock rail IPI	Container drayed short distance to a nearby rail ramp	Additional drayage fee, $150-300, added to through rate
Standard IPI through-rate premium vs. ocean-only to coast	—	+$500-1,500 depending on inland destination distance
Rail dwell at inland ramp (after free time, 1-2 days typical)	Per day	$25-75/day
RIPI (alternate-gateway routing)	Reverse of IPI structure	Similar through-rate, priced by origin rail ramp

On-dock rail facilities (where rail tracks run directly into the marine terminal) generally produce faster transit and lower total handling cost than routings requiring an intermediate drayage leg to reach the rail ramp.

Risk mitigation / operational guidance

When booking IPI cargo, confirm whether the routing uses on-dock or near-dock rail — on-dock routings avoid an extra drayage leg and generally clear the terminal faster, reducing demurrage exposure for cargo awaiting rail loading. Confirm with the carrier whether free-time clocks for IPI cargo start at vessel discharge or at arrival at the inland ramp, as this varies by carrier and lane and is a common source of confusion. Track rail ramp dwell time separately from ocean transit time, since inland rail yards have their own free-time windows and per diem structures distinct from the marine terminal's. During periods of high import volume, some carriers pause accepting certain IPI bookings at congested ports and shift cargo to alternative gateways — build schedule flexibility into inland delivery commitments accordingly, and for inland destinations within a few hundred miles of the coast, compare the IPI through rate against direct drayage options.