What is Drayage?
Drayage refers to the short-haul trucking of containers or freight, typically over short distances. Most commonly, drayage involves moving shipping containers between ocean ports, rail terminals, and nearby warehouses or distribution centers.
Types of Drayage
- Port drayage: Moving containers to/from ocean ports
- Rail drayage: Moving containers to/from rail yards
- Shuttle drayage: Moving between nearby facilities
- Pier drayage: Moving within port terminal areas
Drayage Operations
- Container arrives at port/rail terminal
- Drayage carrier picks up container
- Transport to warehouse, distribution center, or transload facility
- Return empty container to designated location
Drayage Cost Factors
- Distance from port/rail to destination
- Port congestion and wait times
- Container size (20ft vs 40ft)
- Weight (overweight charges)
- Fuel surcharges
- Chassis fees
- Accessorials (residential, lift gate)
Drayage Challenges
- Port congestion causing delays
- Chassis availability
- Appointment scheduling at terminals
- Driver shortages in port areas
- Environmental regulations (emissions)