A drayage quote has two parts: the linehaul (the move from the port or ramp to the delivery address) and accessorials, the extra charges for anything beyond a standard move. The linehaul is predictable. Accessorials are where most surprise costs come from.
The good news: almost every accessorial has a clear trigger, and most can be avoided or reduced with a little planning.
The common accessorialsLink to the section “The common accessorials”
| Charge | Usually billed | What triggers it | How to avoid or reduce it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis rental | Per day | Every day the chassis is in use, from pickup until the empty is returned | Unload quickly and return the empty promptly |
| Chassis split | Per occurrence | The chassis has to be collected from a different place than the container | Ask which chassis pool serves the terminal; some ports have near-dock pools |
| Pre-pull | Per container | Collecting the container early (often the day before delivery) to beat the last free day or a busy terminal | Get releases done early so pickup can be same-day |
| Yard storage | Per day | The container is held at the provider's yard after a pre-pull or while waiting for delivery | Book the delivery appointment before the pickup |
| Overweight | Per container | Cargo heavy enough to need a heavier-rated (tri-axle) chassis or permits | Declare the true weight up front so it's quoted correctly |
| Hazmat | Per container | Hazardous cargo, which needs a certified driver and placards | Declare the hazard class and UN number when you request a quote |
| Reefer / genset | Per day | Refrigerated containers that need power (a generator set) on the road | Share temperature settings and timing early |
| Detention (waiting time) | Per hour | The driver waits beyond the free time at pickup or delivery, typically after the first couple of hours | Make sure the site is ready to unload at the appointment time |
| Drop and pick | Per container | The driver leaves the container at the site and comes back for the empty later | Choose live unload if your site can unload within the free time |
| Extra stop | Per stop | Delivering to more than one address | Consolidate deliveries where you can |
| Dry run | Per occurrence | The driver arrives but can't collect or deliver (a hold, a closed site, a missed appointment) | Confirm releases and receiving hours before dispatch |
| After-hours or weekend | Per container | Pickup or delivery outside normal hours | Plan inside the site's normal hours |
| Tolls | At cost | Toll roads or bridges on the route | Usually unavoidable; ask whether they're included |
Port fees passed throughLink to the section “Port fees passed through”
Some ports charge their own per-container fees on top of drayage. At Los Angeles and Long Beach, for example, the Clean Truck Fund and PierPass fees are paid by the cargo owner or its agent. Check the port page for the fees that apply where your container arrives.
Why accessorials matter so muchLink to the section “Why accessorials matter so much”
Two quotes with the same linehaul can end up very different once chassis days, waiting time and storage are added. When comparing prices, compare the likely total, not just the linehaul.
How DrayageUS shows themLink to the section “How DrayageUS shows them”
Every port page lists the accessorials usually charged at that port, so you know what may be added before you book. Your firm quote from a licensed US provider lists the rates that apply to your move.
Check the typical range for your lane, then request a firm quote with your full shipment details.