Drayage Shipping
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What Is Drayage Shipping?
Drayage shipping is the transportation of containers not attached to a chassis. The containers can be transported via truck, rail, or ship. Drayage containers are crane lifted onto a chassis which are then attached to trucks and delivered. Drayage delivery is typically made within 100 miles of the port/railyard to maintain savings.
With 35+ years of experience in the freight brokerage industry, HTL Freight has cultivated dedicated carrier partnerships and innovative capacity-finding tools allowing us to provide efficient and reliable capacity solutions. HTL Freight uses its relationships with draymen across the country to ensure we can provide you with capacity from day one. Let HTL Freight coordinate your containers, so you can focus on your business.
Benefits of Drayage Shipping
Cost Effective
You can save a substantial amount of money when using drayage and intermodal for long distances. Shipping via rail or ocean is much cheaper by the mile when compared to shipping via truck.
Easy Drop-offs
Dropping off drayage shipments is a much easier task than other modes. There isn’t even a need for the truck to pull up to the loading dock at times because the container detaches from the chassis.
Fuel Efficient
Using a container hauling service can aid in reducing your carbon footprint. Shipping with drayage means that you are using a more fuel-efficient practice before finally delivering via truck.
Types of Drayage Containers
Reefer drayage
Reefer drayage, like all other reefer shipping, is able to keep your freight at a certain temperature so that it does not spoil or become waste.
Alternate Sizes
Drayage containers can come in all sizes, the common trailer sizes are 20’, 40’, and 53’. There are also overweight drayage options available but may require additional permits and specialty shipping.
Tips for Shipping Drayage
Know the Free Last Day
Shipping via drayage could mean additional fees if you are not careful. It would be helpful to know and understand what to expect. To reduce a negative impact on your budget, find out the last free day. To avoid additional fees, stay on track of your tight schedule. Although there is a buffer period when going over the time frame, the fees can start accumulating.
Keep Communication Open
Send as much information as possible to the company you are working with when using a container hauling service. It is in everyone’s best interest to be notified of all moving parts when it comes to drayage shipping.
Have A Plan/Process
Shipping drayage includes many moving parts so it is important that you have a plan and process in place. This can be greatly improved by partnering with a shipping expert that can walk you through the entire process.
Drayage FAQs
Work alongside a company that has experience in drayage and can lay out a solidified plan for you to avoid any miscellaneous charges. Additionally, make sure that your shipping provider has every bit of information to ensure a successful movement.
Some shippers do own their own chassis for drayage shipments, but they are typically more expensive. It might not be worth seeking them specifically. However, if you are looking to build a long-term partnership to handle your drayage it may be worth it.
Drayage typically involves intermodal transportation, since companies typically need the containers moved from the yard or port to their actual warehouse.
Intermodal, on the other hand, does not always include drayage but does in most cases.
