Drayage is the short-distance transport of goods, typically as part of a longer journey in the shipping and logistics world. This process involves moving cargo from a port or terminal to a nearby destination.
For businesses involved in international trade and shipping, understanding drayage is important as it can help them better plan their shipping strategies, manage costs, and ensure their goods move efficiently.
Main Features of Drayage in Shipping
Short-Distance
Transport Drayage typically covers short distances, often within the same city or metropolitan area. It’s the connecting link between different modes of transport.
Intermodal Connections
It’s an essential part of intermodal shipping, helping move goods between ships, trains, and lorries. Drayage ensures cargo gets from one type of transport to another smoothly.
Specialised Equipment
Drayage often requires specific vehicles like container chassis or flatbed trucks to handle different types of cargo efficiently.
Time-Sensitive
Because it’s usually the first or last part of a journey, drayage is often time-critical. Delays here can affect the entire shipping timeline.
Types of Drayage Services
- Port Drayage: Moving containers between ports and nearby facilities. It’s a common sight in busy shipping hubs.
- Inter-Carrier Drayage: Transferring goods between different transport companies. This helps create seamless shipping routes.
- Intra-Carrier Drayage: Moving cargo between facilities owned by the same company, like from a rail yard to a distribution centre.
- Expedited Drayage: Fast, priority movement of goods for time-sensitive shipments. It’s often used for urgent or high-value cargo.
- Shuttle Drayage: Regular, repeated trips between two points, such as a port and a warehouse. It’s great for businesses with steady cargo flows.