Everything You Need to Know about Drayage Trucking

Drayage trucking represents a large industry, with the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) reporting over 60 million shipments handled every year. This impressive volume highlights its essential function in keeping global commerce flowing smoothly.

This article will explore the meaning of drayage trucking, its different types, the equipment used, how rates are calculated, and the challenges the industry faces today.

Navigating global shipping regulations can be complex, but Atlantic Project Cargo simplifies it. With specialized drayage services, we guarantee that your cargo arrives on time anywhere in the world.

The word drayage comes from “dray” — a horse-drawn cart used in the past to transport heavy freight. Drayage trucks have since replaced horses, the term now refers to short-distance ground freight transportation.

Drayage and intermodal transportation are closely related but serve different purposes in logistics.

As we mentioned above, drayage refers to short-distance transport using drayage trucks. Intermodal transport, on the other hand, is about long-distance shipping that involves multiple transportation modes, like ships, trains, and trucks, without unloading the cargo from its trucking container.

Port drayage is a part of intermodal transport. For example, when a container arrives at a port by ship, a truck moves it to a rail yard, where it continues its journey by train. Then, another truck might transport it from the rail yard to its final destination.

Drayage trucking is categorized based on how goods need to be transported. According to the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA), the main classifications include:

• Expedited
  For time-sensitive shipments like food products that require fast delivery
• Inter-carrier
  When goods are transferred between different carriers, such as moving a load from a warehouse to a nearby rail terminal
• Intra-carrier
  When shipments are transported between freight hubs owned by the same carrier
• Pier Trucking
  When cargo is moved from a terminal or hub to a port, harbor, or pier via road transport
• Shuttle Trucking
  When freight is temporarily moved to a warehouse or holding location before continuing its journey
• Door-to-Door
  When goods are delivered directly to the customer

Since drayage involves specialized cargo handling, truck drivers use specific equipment to haul containers safely and efficiently. The equipment used in drayage trucking is called container chassis or intermodal chassis.

Most drayage containers range from 6 to 8 feet in height and come in standard lengths of 10, 20, or 40 feet, depending on the type of cargo. Their standardized sizes make loading, unloading, and transporting goods across different shipping methods more efficient.

Drayage containers are typically made of aluminum or steel and come in several types:

• Dry (Standard)
  The most common type used for general cargo. Available in multiple lengths
• Flat Rack
  Features collapsible sides, making them ideal for oversized or heavy loads
• High Cube
  Taller than standard containers, reaching 9 feet, 6 inches for extra storage capacity
• Open Top
  Has no solid roof, allowing for easier loading of tall or heavy cargo, often covered with a tarp
• Refrigerated (Reefer)
  Equipped with temperature controls to maintain a stable environment for perishable goods

Drayage rates depend on various factors, such as:

• Weight and Size
  Heavier drayage loads require more resources to move and take more time, so they will cost more
• Equipment Type
  Standard trailers cost less, while special equipment costs more
• Distance
  Longer trips mean higher costs since pricing is often per mile
• Fuel Prices
  Some companies add a fuel surcharge, which can change depending on fuel prices
• Peak Season
  Shipments during busy seasons, weekends, or holidays are typically higher due to increased demand and operational complexities

The following accessorial charges influence the total cost:

• Drop Fee
  Applied when a truck delivers a container to a warehouse but retrieves the empty container later instead of unloading it immediately
• Congestion Fee
  Imposed when port or terminal congestion increases cargo handling time
• Yard Pull (Pre-Pull) Fees
  Imposed when a container is moved from a port to a warehouse before final delivery
• Special Handling Charges
  Extra fees for hazardous, refrigerated, or overweight freight requiring special equipment or handling

To calculate the cost easily, use our free drayage rate calculator and get an instant quote!

Selecting the best company among various drayage carriers requires careful consideration of several key factors:

• Service Coverage and Locations
  Ensure the company operates in the regions and ports where you need drayage services. Verify their network of terminals, rail yards, and intermodal connections
• Experience with Your Freight Type
  Different goods have unique handling requirements. Ensure the company has expertise in transporting your specific type of cargo. If shipping high-value goods, verify that they offer adequate insurance coverage for potential loss or damage
• Fleet and Equipment
  Check if they have the right equipment (chassis, container types, refrigerated units, etc.) to handle your freight. Ensure they use modern, well-maintained trucks that comply with environmental regulations
• Compliance and Certifications
  Confirm they meet regulatory requirements such as FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) and local laws
• Price Transparency
  A company should provide detailed drayage quotes without any hidden fees like fuel surcharges, drayage accessorial charges, storage, or demurrage fees

Atlantic Project Cargo takes care of all the issues with shipping across borders. Due to our drayage proficiency, your cargo is in expert hands, delivered safely and timely to its final destination.

The meaning of drayage in the shipping industry is great. Without efficient drayage logistics services, ports would face congestion, rail yards would overflow, and warehouses would struggle to receive shipments. As global trade continues to expand, drayage freight remains an essential part of the transportation network, keeping goods moving smoothly from ports to their final destinations. For businesses looking to optimize their logistics, choosing the right drayage partner is key to ensuring timely, cost-effective deliveries.