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Glossary

Drayage

Drayage is the short-distance transport of shipping containers between ports, rail terminals, and nearby warehouses or distribution centers.

What Is Drayage?

Drayage is the transportation of shipping containers (typically intermodal containers) over short distances, usually from a port or rail yard to a nearby warehouse, distribution center, or transload facility. Drayage moves are typically under 100 miles and are a critical link in the supply chain — containers arriving by ship or rail need trucks to complete the last leg of their journey.

Drayage is priced differently from long-haul trucking. Instead of per-mile rates, drayage is often quoted as flat rates per container move — typically $200-$600 for a single move depending on distance, container size (20-foot or 40-foot), port congestion, and chassis availability. Drayage drivers can often complete 3-5 moves per day, making it a high-volume, short-distance operation.

Port drayage can be challenging due to congestion, long wait times, and complex scheduling. Major ports like Los Angeles/Long Beach, Newark, Savannah, and Houston often have multi-hour wait times for container pickup. Chassis availability (the wheeled frame that carries containers) can also be an issue. Despite these challenges, drayage is a steady niche with consistent demand because international trade requires constant container movement.

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Why It Matters

Drayage offers consistent, local work with the ability to be home daily. While individual moves pay less than long-haul loads, the volume (3-5 moves per day) can generate strong daily revenue. It is an attractive option for carriers who prefer local operations over over-the-road trucking.

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Real-World Example

Wilson runs drayage out of the Port of Savannah. He picks up a 40-foot container at the port at 7:00 AM and delivers it to a warehouse 35 miles away for $350. He returns to the port and picks up a second container at 10:00 AM, delivering it 28 miles to a distribution center for $300. By the end of the day, he completes 4 moves totaling $1,350 in gross revenue, drives about 250 total miles, and is home by 5:00 PM. His weekly drayage gross: $6,750.

Related Terms

Intermodal

Intermodal freight transport uses multiple modes of transportation (truck, rail, ship) with standardized containers that transfer between modes without unloading the cargo.

Cross-Dock

Cross-docking is a logistics practice where freight is transferred directly from an inbound truck to an outbound truck at a facility with minimal or no warehousing time.

Freight Lane

A freight lane is a specific origin-to-destination route that carriers regularly run, with predictable freight volumes, rates, and demand patterns.

Owner-Operator

An owner-operator is a truck driver who owns or leases their own commercial vehicle and operates as an independent business rather than being employed by a trucking company.

Per Mile Rate

The per mile rate is the amount a carrier is paid for each mile driven on a load, and is the primary measure of load profitability in trucking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special equipment for drayage?+
You need a day cab (or regular tractor) and access to container chassis. Some carriers own chassis, but many use chassis from equipment pools at the port or rail yard. A TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) is required for port access.
Is drayage profitable?+
Yes. While individual moves pay $200-$600, completing 3-5 moves per day generates $1,000-$2,500 in daily revenue. Lower fuel costs (short distances) and being home nightly are additional advantages.
What are the biggest challenges in drayage?+
Port congestion and wait times are the primary challenges. Equipment availability (chassis), appointment windows, and changing container pickup schedules also create unpredictability. Experienced drayage operators develop strategies to minimize idle time.

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