How container drayage works in Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine's containers move through the International Marine Terminal, the US hub for Icelandic line Eimskip. A new rail extension lets containers switch between ship and train right at the terminal.
- Terminal
- International Marine Terminal, western waterfront
- Main line
- Eimskip to Iceland, Scandinavia and Northern Europe
- Rail
- On-terminal tracks linking to CSX in northern New England
- Reach
- Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor, New Hampshire and Canada
More about drayage in Portland
Portland's container business centers on the International Marine Terminal (IMT) on the city's western waterfront, now overseen by the Maine Port Authority. Eimskip, the Icelandic shipping line, made Portland its US hub and runs regular services linking Maine with Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Scandinavia and Northern Europe, as well as Canada.
A rail extension built along the Portland waterfront brought tracks directly into the IMT, so containers can move between ships and trains at the same terminal for the first time in the port's history. The rail line connects with the network now operated by CSX across northern New England.
Local drayage carriers move containers from the IMT to customers in Greater Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, Augusta, Bangor and beyond, and some longer moves go to New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Canada.
1
Marine terminal
Railroads
CSX · St. Lawrence & Atlantic Railroad
Main highways
I-95 Maine Turnpike · I-295 · US-1 · ME-25 · US-302
Container terminals and rail ramps in Portland
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Portland area.
Marine terminal
International Marine Terminal
Marine terminal · Maine Port Authority
Portland's container terminal on the western waterfront, Eimskip's US hub, with a rail extension into the terminal.
Seafood, forest products and Maine exports
Maine's seafood industry ships lobster, fish and other products to Europe and Asia, often in refrigerated containers through Portland. Reefer drayage requires gensets and close coordination with processors and cold storage facilities.
Forest products remain important, including paper, pulp and wood products from mills across the state. Some exports are containerized and trucked to Portland, while others move in bulk or by rail. Maine also exports blueberries, potatoes and other agricultural products, and specialty manufacturers ship equipment and components.
Imports and northern New England distribution
Imports through Portland include food products, consumer goods and building materials. Retailers and distributors in Maine and northern New Hampshire use Portland to avoid longer truck hauls from Boston or New York. Distribution centers and warehouses are located in South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough and along the Maine Turnpike. Many deliveries are short local moves.
Because Portland is smaller than major ports, gate processes can be quicker, but service options are limited to the carriers that call there.
Weather and routes
Winter in Maine brings heavy snow, ice and cold, which can slow trucking and require careful planning. Carriers use winter equipment and adjust schedules during storms.
The Maine Turnpike (I-95) and I-295 run along the coast and inland, while US-1 serves coastal towns. Many rural deliveries involve two-lane roads with seasonal weight restrictions during spring thaw. Tourism traffic in summer can slow travel on coastal routes, especially in popular areas.
Portland's North Atlantic connection
Portland's link with Iceland and Northern Europe is unusual among US ports. Eimskip chose Portland as its US hub because it sits on the shortest sailing route between North America and Northern Europe, and its services connect Maine with Reykjavik, the Faroe Islands, Norway and other North Atlantic ports. That makes Portland a natural gateway for Icelandic seafood, Scandinavian goods and exports from New England to those markets.
Local businesses use the service in both directions. Maine seafood dealers export lobster and fish, while importers bring in frozen fish, food products and industrial goods. The connection also attracts some shippers from Canada's Maritime provinces and Quebec.
Because the service schedule is weekly and the number of carriers is small, importers and exporters plan closely around sailing dates and cutoffs, and local drayage carriers coordinate pickups and returns with those schedules.
Common lanes out of Portland
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
South Portland / Westbrook
Local warehouses and distribution.
5 mi
Lewiston / Auburn
Manufacturing and distribution via the Maine Turnpike.
35 mi
Portsmouth, NH
Seacoast New Hampshire via I-95.
55 mi
Augusta
State capital and central Maine.
60 mi
Boston
Massachusetts via I-95.
110 mi
Bangor
Northern and eastern Maine via I-95.
130 mi
Booking drayage in Portland: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Portland. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Check Eimskip schedules
Most Portland container service is with Eimskip. Plan bookings around its sailing schedule.
Use reefer specialists for seafood
Lobster and fish exports need gensets and quick handling. Choose experienced reefer carriers.
Watch spring weight limits
Some Maine roads have seasonal weight restrictions during thaw. Confirm routes for heavy loads.
Ask about rail at IMT
The terminal now has rail access. Ask about combined ship-rail options for inland moves.
Drayage markets near Portland
Many carriers that serve Portland also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Portland, ME.