Drayage is the truck move of a shipping container over a short distance: from a port terminal or rail ramp to a warehouse, or back again. It's the first and last leg of almost every ocean container's journey, and usually the part with the least visibility for the shipper.
If you're moving a full container (FCL) into the US, someone has to collect it from the terminal and bring it to its destination. That job is drayage.
What a drayage move looks likeLink to the section “What a drayage move looks like”
A typical import move goes like this:
- The vessel arrives and the container is discharged at the terminal.
- The container is released. The ocean carrier releases it once freight is paid, and US Customs releases it once the entry is cleared. Any other holds (for example from the FDA or USDA) must also be lifted.
- The trucker books an appointment at the terminal, where the terminal requires one.
- The trucker collects the container on a chassis (the wheeled frame a container sits on) and drives it to the delivery address.
- The container is unloaded, either while the driver waits (a live unload) or after the driver drops it and leaves (drop and pick).
- The empty container is returned to the terminal or depot the ocean carrier names.
Exports run the same steps in reverse: an empty container is collected, loaded at the shipper's site and delivered back to the terminal before the vessel's cut-off.
Who's involvedLink to the section “Who's involved”
- The ocean carrier owns or leases the container and sets the free time for using it.
- The terminal stores the container, loads it onto the truck and may charge storage after free time.
- The drayage provider (a licensed motor carrier) supplies the truck and driver.
- The chassis provider supplies the chassis, usually through a pool or leasing company.
- The customs broker files the US entry and gets the customs release.
- The forwarder or importer coordinates all of them.
How drayage is pricedLink to the section “How drayage is priced”
Drayage is usually quoted per container, one way, with fuel either included or added as a surcharge. The main driver is distance from the port or ramp to the delivery address, because the truck has to return empty (or with the empty container).
On top of the base rate (the linehaul) come accessorial charges for anything beyond a standard move: chassis days, waiting time, storage, overweight cargo, hazardous materials and so on. These often decide whether the final bill matches the quote. Our guide to accessorial charges explains each one.
On DrayageUS you can see the typical market range for a lane before you ask anyone: pick a port, enter the delivery ZIP and check the range. For an exact price, send your shipment details and a licensed US provider sends a firm quote within 24 hours.
Not sure what a firm quote includes? Read our guide to firm quotes.
How long drayage takesLink to the section “How long drayage takes”
The drive itself is often the shortest part. What takes time is the release (carrier, customs and any other holds), the terminal appointment and the delivery site's receiving hours. For local moves the truck may collect and deliver the same day; longer moves can take a day or two.
The clock that matters most is the last free day: the date after which the terminal or carrier starts charging for the container. Plan the pickup before it.
Drayage vs truckingLink to the section “Drayage vs trucking”
Ordinary trucking moves boxed or palletised freight in a trailer. Drayage moves the container itself, on a chassis, over a short distance, and works around terminal rules, appointments and container free time. That's why it's usually booked with specialist drayage providers.
Get a price for your moveLink to the section “Get a price for your move”
Check the typical range for your port and delivery ZIP, then request a firm quote. Not sure which port suits your delivery address? Try the best-port finder.