Drayage is a term used in the logistics and transportation industry to describe the transport of goods over short distances. This can be either within a single facility, such as a warehouse or distribution center, or between two separate locations, such as a port and a railhead. Drayage services are typically provided by trucking companies that specialize in this type of transport.
Drayage is an important part of the supply chain because it ensures that goods can move quickly and efficiently from one location to another. This is especially important for time-sensitive shipments, such as perishable goods or those that are destined for Just-In-Time (JIT) production. Drayage services can also be used to move oversized or overweight loads that cannot be transported using conventional methods. this content
Types of Drayage Services
There are two main types of drayage services: local drayage and long-haul drayage. Local drayage describes the transport of goods over shorter distances, typically within a single city or metropolitan area. Long-haul drayage, on the other hand, involves transporting goods over longer distances, often between different states or regions.
Drayage services can also be classified according to the type of freight being transported. Common types of freight include intermodal containers, trailer loads, and bulk commodities.
Intermodal containers are typically used to ship large volumes of uniform goods, such as consumer electronics or automotive parts. Trailer loads are typically less than load (LTL) shipments that are too large to be transported using parcel delivery services. Bulk commodities are materials that are shipped in their raw form, such as coal or grain.
Pricing Structure for Drayage Services
Drayage rates are typically calculated on a per-mile basis, with additional charges for fuel, wait times, and other factors. Many trucking companies also offer discounts for volume shipments and/or recurring business. For local drayage services, rates may be quoted on a flat rate basis instead of per-mile.
selecting a reputable drayage provider is critical to ensuring the smooth transport of your goods. When choosing a drayage provider, you should consider factors such as experience, reputation, pricing structure, and the type of freight being transported. As with any other type of shipping service, it is important to compare rates from multiple providers before selecting one
