Drayage Shipping Services
Competitive Drayage Quotes
FreightCenter's drayage shipping services bridge the gap between ports, rail yards, and your business, so your cargo keeps moving without delays or guesswork.
Drayage Shipping Services That Keep Freight Moving
Short-distance. Big impact. Drayage connects the dots between ports, rail yards, and warehouses, making it one of the most essential steps in intermodal shipping. FreightCenter helps businesses move containers with end-to-end drayage coordination across the U.S.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
FreightCenter’s Drayage Capabilities
Whether you’re shipping full containers, managing inbound ocean freight, or connecting multiple modes, FreightCenter simplifies drayage coordination across the U.S. and cross-border.
We help with:
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Port scheduling & appointments
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Drayage from rail ramps & intermodal yards
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Cross-border drayage to/from Mexico & Canada
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Container repositioning
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Permits for oversize/overweight drayage loads
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White glove or specialized drayage (if needed)
Our nationwide carrier network ensures you’re getting competitive rates and equipment availability—even at the busiest ports like Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, or Newark.
What is Drayage in Freight?
Drayage is the short-distance transport of goods—typically moving containers from ports or rail ramps to nearby warehouses, distribution centers, or other intermodal hubs.
While it may only span a few miles, drayage plays a critical role in keeping supply chains on schedule. It bridges the gap between long-haul modes like ocean freight or rail and last-mile or regional trucking.
It’s especially common in:
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Port logistics (ocean container pickup/delivery)
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Rail ramp connections
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Cross-docking and transloading operations
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Warehousing transfers
If your cargo enters or exits through a port or rail hub, drayage is probably part of your freight journey—even if you didn’t realize it.
Types of Drayage Shipping Services?
Freight drayage services encompass various types tailored to meet specific transportation needs. Understanding these different types can help businesses make informed decisions when selecting a provider. The Intermodal Association of America (IANA) details 6 different types of drayage:
- Pier Drayage: Pier drayage involves the movement of containers or goods within port facilities. This could include transporting containers from ships to storage yards or picking up a load at a rail hub and delivering it to a pier to be loaded onto a ship.
- Intra-Carrier Drayage: One container is being moved a short distance between different freight terminals owned by the same company.
- Inter-Carrier Drayage: Two or more carriers, different carriers moving cargo, or one carrier using two or more different modes of transportation.
- Expedited Drayage: When cargo is needed urgently, an over-the-road carrier will move it fast via team drivers or other methods.
- Door-to-Door Drayage: Cargo is moved from a port or warehouse to the final destination or the end consumer’s location.
- Shuttle Drayage: When a shipping hub’s docks are full. Shuttle drayage will move containers to another location for temporary storage.
Factors Influencing Freight Drayage Costs
Understanding the factors influencing freight costs is essential for businesses to manage transportation expenses effectively. Several key factors can impact drayage pricing, including:
- Distance: The distance traveled plays a significant role in determining costs. Longer distances typically result in higher transportation expenses due to fuel consumption, vehicle wear and tear, and driver labor.
- Freight Volume: The volume of freight being transported can affect costs, as larger shipments may require additional handling or specialized equipment. Consolidating multiple shipments or utilizing total truckload capacity can help optimize costs.
- Equipment Requirements: Specialized equipment, such as chassis or refrigerated trailers, may be required for certain types of cargo. The availability and cost of equipment can impact pricing, especially for oversized or high-value shipments.
- Accessorial Charges: Additional services or charges, such as detention fees, wait time, or accessorial services, can contribute to drayage costs. Clarifying any potential accessorial charges upfront is essential to avoid unexpected expenses.
- Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel prices can affect costs, as fuel is a significant expense for transportation providers. Businesses should monitor fuel prices and consider fuel surcharges when evaluating drayage quotes.
- Seasonal Demand: Seasonal fluctuations in demand can impact costs, especially during peak shipping seasons or holidays. Increased demand may lead to capacity constraints and higher rates, while slower periods may offer opportunities for cost savings.
- Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with regulatory requirements, such as environmental standards or safety regulations, can influence costs. Providers may incur additional expenses to meet compliance obligations, which can be reflected in pricing.
Considering these factors and working closely with drayage providers, businesses can develop strategies to optimize transportation costs while ensuring efficient and reliable freight movement.
Effective cost management is essential for maintaining competitiveness and maximizing profitability in today’s dynamic logistics landscape.
At FreightCenter, we make sure your cargo gets there fast, smooth, and stress-free. Here’s why more businesses choose our drayage shipping services every day:
We don’t believe in paying more than you have to. Our drayage services are designed to trim transportation costs by optimizing routes, reducing idle time, and connecting you to the most efficient local carriers. Whether you’re moving containers from the Port of Long Beach or a rail yard in Chicago, we make the short-haul work hard for your bottom line.
We coordinate drayage with precision and speed. Our team knows port protocols, appointment systems, and regional carrier availability like the back of their clipboard. The result? Fewer delays, tighter schedules, and a drayage operation that hums—so your supply chain doesn’t skip a beat.
Sustainability starts with smarter routing. FreightCenter’s drayage network minimizes wasted miles, reduces fuel use, and promotes eco-conscious logistics strategies. Your carbon footprint shrinks. Your supply chain wins. Everyone breathes a little easier.
Ocean freight, rail, truckload—drayage is the glue that holds it all together. We make intermodal transitions seamless by coordinating every leg of the journey. That means fewer handoffs, less confusion, and freight that flows effortlessly from dock to door. FreightCenter gives you full visibility across modes—so you always know what’s happening, and what’s next.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Why Shippers Choose FreightCenter
Coordinated Drayage, Seamless Supply Chains
- One point of contact. Manage drayage alongside your full truckload, LTL, and intermodal freight.
- Port-to-door visibility. Track your containers from arrival to final delivery.
- Flexible pricing. Tap into a network of vetted drayage carriers and competitive rates.
- Compliance-first. We help with port documentation, scheduling, and customs clearance.
FAQs About Drayage Shipping Services
Q. What is drayage in freight shipping?
Drayage refers to the short-distance transportation of freight, typically between ports, rail yards, warehouses, or distribution centers. It’s a critical link in the intermodal supply chain.
Q. How do drayage services work?
Drayage services use specialized trucking to move containers or cargo from one local facility to another, often within the same metro area. It’s commonly used to bridge gaps between larger freight modes like ships and trains.
Q. When do I need drayage shipping services?
You need drayage when your freight requires movement between a port or rail yard and a warehouse, distribution center, or final destination. It’s essential for imports, exports, and intermodal freight.
Q. What are the different types of drayage?
Types of drayage include pier drayage (to/from seaports), inter-carrier drayage (between different carriers), intra-carrier drayage (within the same carrier’s network), shuttle drayage, and door-to-door drayage.
Q. How much does drayage shipping cost?
Costs vary based on distance, port fees, container type, waiting time, and fuel surcharges. At FreightCenter, we help you compare drayage rates from trusted carriers to find the most cost-effective option.
Q. What ports or rail hubs does FreightCenter serve with drayage?
FreightCenter’s drayage network includes major U.S. ports and inland hubs like Los Angeles, Long Beach, Savannah, Houston, New York/New Jersey, Chicago, and more.
Q. Can I schedule drayage as part of an intermodal shipment?
Yes. FreightCenter can coordinate drayage as a seamless part of your intermodal or multimodal shipping solution. We handle all the planning so your freight moves smoothly across every leg of the journey.
Q. What kind of freight qualifies for drayage?
Most commonly, drayage is used for full container loads (FCL) or intermodal containers, but it’s also suitable for palletized LTL freight, oversized items, or bulk shipments needing short-haul movement.
Q. Is drayage available for imports and exports?
Yes. Drayage is a core part of import and export logistics, helping move goods between ports and inland facilities for customs clearance, storage, or further distribution.
Q. What documents are needed for drayage services?
Typical documents include the bill of lading (BOL), delivery order, container release, terminal appointment confirmation, and customs clearance paperwork for imports/exports.
Q. What’s the difference between drayage and standard trucking?
Drayage involves very short-distance hauls (usually under 50 miles) and often includes port or rail yard operations. Standard trucking usually covers longer distances and broader delivery zones.
Q. How long does drayage usually take?
Drayage can often be completed same-day or within 24 hours, depending on port congestion, driver availability, and required documentation. FreightCenter helps streamline this timing wherever possible.
Q. Are there surcharges or fees with drayage services?
Common surcharges include chassis fees, detention time, port congestion fees, and fuel surcharges. FreightCenter gives you transparent quotes and helps minimize unnecessary costs.
Q. Why choose FreightCenter for drayage shipping services?
With 25+ years in freight logistics, access to a vast network of drayage carriers, and a powerful TMS platform, FreightCenter simplifies your local port or rail logistics with precision and care.
Advantages of Using FreightCenter as Your Drayage Shipper
Efficiency
Our easy-to-use online platform streamlines the drayage process, saving you time and effort.
Cost Savings
Leveraging our carrier network and negotiating competitive rates ensures significant cost savings for your drayage shipments.
Reliability
Partnering with experienced carriers and offering 24/7 customer support ensures your drayage shipments arrive safely and on time, providing peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
