What is Drayage?
Do you know millions of drayage journeys are done annually for shipping freight around the world? But what is drayage? In logistics company, the term “drayage” is understood as the process of moving shipping containers and cargo from one point to another by rail or road.
Drayage is considered as one of the quickest transportation ways as it requires less time to carry the freight. It is an important part of shipping management since it is actually the only way freight can travel from a port to an intermodal facility for distribution to other locations.
For instance, say you have a shipment that requires multiple means of transport, such as an airplane and a truck. The process starting from offloading your goods from the aircraft until it is loaded on the truck will be termed drayage. You will require drayage services if:
- You need to move your load within the same city from one location to another.
- Your shipping container for international shipping needs to be transported from your warehouse to the port.
- Your shipping container needs to be picked up and brought to your warehouse from a port or border crossing.
Why is Drayage Service Important?
Carriers and freight service providers typically provide drayage services. These services are necessary for shippers who want to move goods over small distances. A drayage service provider can bring a lot to the table. Let’s see why getting drayage service might be important:
- Drayage is integral to many industries, including cold chain logistics and the container business. Without it, these industries won’t be able to function efficiently.
- Drayage services are designed to help avoid congestion and bottlenecks at ports.
- It also helps customers to reduce costs associated with the use of containers to haul freight.
- For customers, having access to a dray broker can be more time-efficient and cost-effective.
How Does Drayage Works?
Moving the goods from one mode of transportation to another can bridge the gaps between lengthy intermodal hauls. You can make the most of drayage service by being aware of how it works. So, let’s find out.
- The drayage process begins with receiving a container at the port, warehouse, facility, or rail point because drayage transportation is a component of an intermodal network.
- The received goods are then unloaded, examined, segregated, and loaded before being transported to their next location.
- Trucks are used to manage and handle short-distance drayage; at this stage, a 3PL provider can be quite helpful.
So, the next time wherever or whenever you wish to transport your goods for a short distance, use drayage shipping with proper planning and ensure a third party logistics provider or professional freight forwarders is providing you with a helping hand.