Drayage
Also known as: Dray, Container Drayage, Port Drayage
Definition
Drayage refers to short-haul trucking of containers over brief distances, usually under 100 miles. It connects ports, rail terminals, and warehouses—the critical first and last legs of intermodal freight movement.
Common Drayage Moves
- Port to warehouse
- Rail yard to distribution center
- Port to rail terminal
- Container yard to customer
Drayage Costs
Drayage is priced per move, not per mile:
| Move Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Port to local warehouse | $300-600 |
| Rail to warehouse | $250-500 |
| Cross-town moves | $200-400 |
Costs vary by port congestion and chassis availability.
Drayage Challenges
- Port congestion: Wait times increase costs
- Chassis shortages: Equipment availability
- Appointment windows: Strict terminal schedules
- Detention fees: Delays cost money
- Driver availability: High demand market
Drayage Terminology
- Live load: Driver waits during loading
- Drop and hook: Leave container, take another
- Bobtail: Truck without trailer
- Chassis: Wheeled frame for containers
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