Drayage

If you have been involved in the shipping industry, you probably have come across unfamiliar terms. But if you plan on engaging logistics for a while, you’ll need to be familiar with the terminologies so you can navigate the shipping process easily.

One of the common terms that you will hear is “drayage.” In this article, we tell you what it means and everything you need to know about it.

What is drayage?

Drayage is the transportation of goods over short distances, typically within the same city or region. It is a common practice in the trucking industry and often involves the use of specialized drayage trucks. Drayage can be an essential service for businesses that need to move goods quickly and efficiently over short distances.

What is a drayage truck?

A drayage truck is a specialized heavy-duty truck used to transport cargo that needs to be moved quickly and efficiently. Drayage trucks are typically used for short-haul or local deliveries, as they can easily navigate tight spaces and maneuver in and out of traffic.

These trucks also have lifting mechanisms that allow them to load and unload cargo quickly and safely.

What is container drayage?

Container drayage refers to the short-distance transport of shipping containers used for maritime cargo. This type of transportation is typically performed by trucks or other heavy-duty vehicles.

Container drayage is a critical part of the supply chain, as it allows for the efficient movement of goods from one location to another. Without container drayage, maritime shipping would be significantly delayed, as containers would have to be transported manually.

What are the different types of drayage?

There are different types of drayage, depending on the type of transportation used.

Inter-carrier Drayage

Inter-carrier drayage is the process of transporting goods from one carrier to another. This can be done by truck, rail, or ship. It is often used when goods need to be transported from one country to another or when they need to be moved between different modes of transportation. Inter-carrier drayage can be a complex and expensive process, but getting goods to their final destination is often necessary.

Intra-carrier Drayage

Intra-carrier drayage is the transportation of goods within a single carrier's network. This can be between two points within the same or two countries. Drayage is typically used for short-haul shipments, such as when goods need to be moved from one terminal to another.

Drayage can be performed using a variety of different vehicles, including trucks, trains, and ships. In some cases, multiple modes of transportation may be used to complete the journey. For example, a shipment of goods may be transported by truck from one terminal to another, then loaded onto a train or ship for the remainder of the journey.

Door-to-door Drayage

Door-to-door drayage is a shipping service that involves transporting goods from one location to another using a truck or other vehicle. This type of shipping is often used for large or heavy items that cannot be easily transported by other means.

Door-to-door drayage can be a convenient and cost-effective way to ship items. Still, choosing a reputable and experienced shipping company is important to ensure that your goods arrive safely and on time.

Expedited Drayage

Expedited drayage is a trucking service that guarantees faster-than-normal delivery times. This service is often used for time-sensitive shipments, such as medical supplies or perishable goods.

Expedited drayage services are typically more expensive than standard trucking services, but they offer peace of mind for shippers who need their goods delivered quickly.

Shuttle Drayage

Shuttle drayage is the process of transporting containers from one location to another using a specialized vehicle called a shuttle. This drayage is often used for short distances, such as between a port and a rail yard or between two points within the same city.

Shuttle drayage can be an efficient way to move containers, eliminating the need for multiple trips by different vehicles.

Pier Drayage

Pier drayage is transporting containers from one port to another by truck. This type of drayage is typically used for international shipments, as it allows containers to be moved between different ports without going through customs.

Pier drayage can be time-consuming and expensive, but it is often necessary to get goods to their final destination.

Why is drayage important?

Drayage is the process of moving goods by truck over short distances. It is an important part of the supply chain because it helps ensure that goods are delivered to the correct location promptly.

Drayage can be used for both local and long-distance deliveries and can be an efficient way to move large quantities of goods. Drayage is also important because it can help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

Drayage fees

Drayage fees are charges assessed for the drayage, or short-haul, transportation of freight. These fees are typically associated with shipments moving via container ship and need to be unloaded at a port before being transported to their final destination.

Drayage fees can vary depending on several factors, including the distance the freight needs to be transported, the type of freight being shipped, and the availability of drayage services.

In some cases, shippers may be able to negotiate lower drayage fees by arranging for their freight to be shipped on a vessel that is already scheduled to make a stop at the port where the freight is being unloaded.

Drayage fees are just one of many costs that shippers need to consider when shipping freight via container ship. Other costs can include port fees, terminal handling charges, and demurrage charges (if the freight is not unloaded in a timely manner).

Shippers should work with their freight forwarder or logistics provider to get a complete picture of all the costs associated with their shipment.