| Core (Operations) | Infrastructure | Modal access (dock, siding, road), unloading areas |
| Equipment | Intermodal lifting equipment, storing equipment | |
| Storage | Yard for empty and loaded containers | |
| Management | Administration, maintenance, access (gates), information systems | |
| Ancillary (Added value) | Trade facilitation | Free trade zone, logistical services |
| Distribution centers | Transloading, cross-docking, warehousing, temperature controlled (cold chain) | |
| Storage depot | Container depot, bulk storage | |
| Container services | Washing, preparation, repair |
Terminals are important activity systems which fall into two categories, core and ancillary. While core characteristics refer to what a terminal needs to operate, such as infrastructure and equipment, ancillary characteristics tend to be more value added. They also play an important role in the differentiation of terminals since they shape their functional and operational characteristics. Core characteristics are replicable as they imply capital investments in relatively standard technologies, infrastructure and equipment. Ancillary characteristics are more linked with a policy framework as well as the regional economy, local initiatives and clustering effects.