What Is Drayage? Overview of the 6 Types
Drayage is often the first or last leg in intermodal shipping between ocean ports and rail terminals. Typically drayage involves a short-distance transportation of freight containers that are relatively close by to the port of entry. This specialized service is handled by truckload carriers equipped with chassis trailers for various container sizes. To learn more about the specific types of drayage and how it may apply to you… read below Different types of drayage trucking Services There are six primary types of drayage services, each tailored to meet specific logistics needs: Inter-carrier, Intra-carrier, Pier, Shuttle, Door-to-door, and Expedited. Being educated on these types can help you select the right drayage provider for your operation, ensuring smoother cargo movement and improved supply chain efficiency. Shuttle drayage services Shuttle Drayage services involve moving empty containers to container depots, like Quality Container Transport in Miami, FL. These yards are equipped with large specialized forklifts that can pick up and stack empty containers temporarily stored in their yard. These Depos have contracts with shipping lines to manage and store their empties, helping keep the flow smooth at the ports when overly congested. Intra-carrier Drayage Intra-carrier drayage simply refers to the transportation of containers within the network of a single carrier between facilities that are owned by that carrier. In other words, it’s as simple as a manufacturer saying “We do our own drayage”. Regardless of whether it’s movements from the port to warehouse or port to rail, everything is done in-house. Inter-carrier drayage In inter-carrier drayage, containers are shifted between various carriers, like from a rail terminal to a trucking service. This form of drayage facilitates a transfer across multiple transportation methods. Timely communication with shippers are key here since multiple parties are involved. Pier drayage Pier drayage is used to transport containers to and from ports, playing a key role in both import and export logistics. This service is crucial for ensuring goods reach shipping terminals or are retrieved from the port promptly, avoiding costly delays and storage fees. Drayage providers have a certain window to pick up and return the empty containers before per diem or (detention) fees kick in at the ports. These are daily charges applied when containers aren’t returned within a specified timeframe, often starting after a few free days. Door-to-door drayage Door-to-door drayage provides direct transport from the port or rail yard to the customer’s specified location. This end-to-end service keeps the logistics process for simple for clients, as it ensures that containers are handled by one carrier from start to finish, reducing the risk of miscommunication or errors. Expedited drayage Expedited drayage prioritizes speed, focusing on time-sensitive shipments that need quick delivery. This service is ideal for customers facing tight deadlines or urgent freight requirements, as it minimizes transit time and provides faster container movement across short distances. FAQS About Drayage What is the difference between shipping and drayage? Shipping is the long-distance transport of goods, often internationally, while drayage handles short-distance moves, like transporting containers between ports and nearby warehouses. What is the difference between drayage and intermodal? When referring to Drayage, think of short-distance transport or moving goods locally between ports and warehouses. Intermodal transport uses multiple transportation modes (e.g., trucks, trains, ships) to move goods over long distances in one container. It is important to note that Drayage is often a step in intermodal such as when a drayage carrier moves a container to a rail yard. What is the drayage truck rule? The Drayage Truck Rule is a California regulation aimed at reducing emissions from trucks moving goods to and from ports and railyards. As of January 2024, new trucks registered in the state for drayage purposes must be zero-emission, with a requirement for all drayage trucks to meet this standard by 2035. What is the difference between truckload and drayage? Truckload shipping involves transporting a full truckload of goods directly from point A to point B over long distances. Drayage is for short hauls, typically moving containers between ports, rail yards, and nearby warehouses to support the larger shipping process. In conclusion, understanding the different types of drayage services can be invaluable for efficient logistics and smooth container movement. From inter-carrier to expedited drayage, each type serves a unique purpose and offers flexibility to meet diverse shipping needs. Choosing the right drayage provider helps keep supply chains running efficiently, minimizes delays, and supports the broader shipping process. If you are importing to South Florida and need reliable drayage, feel free to contact us at Accurate Trailers.
