A Chicago container may be available at the ramp before its receiver can unload it. A pre-pull separates the pickup from the final delivery: the container is collected first, held at an agreed location, and delivered when the receiving arrangement is ready.
Start with the actual ramp and receiving appointment
Before arranging the move, send the ramp, container number and size, commodity, loaded weight, availability and release information, and last free day if known. Add the receiver’s address, appointment requirements and unloading method. These details establish whether a direct delivery fits or a pre-pull needs review.
UKA’s regular Chicago work includes BNSF LPC in Elwood, UP Global IV in Joliet, CSX 59th Street, CSX Bedford Park, CN Harvey, and NS / Norfolk Southern ramps where applicable. The pickup plan needs the exact ramp and its release instructions, not just “Chicago.”
Include chassis and storage in the same request
UKA operates company tractors and private chassis capacity in Chicago. A pre-pull request should identify the expected hold period, the final receiving date, and whether a chassis move or split needs to be considered. Chassis capacity does not mean every container, date or special load is automatically accepted.
Ask the team to confirm the pickup, holding arrangement, chassis requirements, subsequent delivery and any applicable charges together. A pre-pull should not be presented as a guarantee that all terminal or equipment charges will disappear.
Plan the delivery and empty return
Tell us whether the receiver will live unload or requires a drop & hook arrangement. If freight needs to leave the container before final delivery, describe the transload or warehouse requirement and onward destination instead. Include the empty-return instructions when available so that the final leg is part of the plan.
What to send for a Chicago drayage quote
- Ramp or terminal and container details.
- Commodity, loaded weight and release/availability information.
- Last free day if known and the requested pickup date.
- Receiving address, unloading arrangement and appointment.
- Expected storage or hold period, chassis requirements and empty-return information.
Our Chicago intermodal drayage operation handles pre-pulls, live unloads, drop & hook, empty returns, chassis moves/splits, storage and transload. Specialized or hazmat requests need commodity, documentation, equipment and driver-qualification review before approval.
Request a Chicago container quote with the pickup and receiving requirements.
For a general explanation of the term, see DHL’s pre-pull glossary. UKA services described here reflect our confirmed operating scope; arrangements are reviewed per shipment.