Drayage
Drayage is the short-distance transport of freight, typically from a port, rail terminal, or intermodal facility to a nearby warehouse or distribution center. Drayage carriers specialize in short hauls within 50–150 miles of major freight hubs.
In Depth
Drayage is a critical link in intermodal supply chains. Port congestion directly impacts drayage efficiency — long container dwell times at ports increase drayage costs significantly.
Drayage drivers often handle container chassis, which requires TWIC cards for port access and knowledge of container handling procedures.
Usage Example
Example: 'I run drayage at the Port of Houston — moving containers from the port terminal to warehouses within 80 miles.'
Related Terms
Intermodal
Intermodal freight is cargo transported in a standardized container that moves between two or more modes of transportation (truck, rail, ship) without being unloaded and reloaded between transfers.
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
LTL (Less Than Truckload) is a freight shipping method where multiple shippers share space on the same truck, each paying for only the portion of the trailer they use. LTL is used for shipments too large for parcel carriers but too small to fill a full trailer.
FTL (Full Truckload)
FTL (Full Truckload) is a freight shipping method where a single shipper's goods fill an entire trailer. The shipper pays for exclusive use of the truck, and freight moves directly from origin to destination without intermediate stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is drayage pay?
Drayage typically pays $200–$600 per move depending on distance, container weight, and chassis availability.