The logistics industry utilizes numerous strategies and shipping methodologies to distribute goods to their destination on time and in the most affordable and efficient manner possible. Drayage is a shipping solution commonly utilized by logistics teams to guide international shipments.
What is drayage, and when is this the best shipping service for a client? In the second article of our Logistics Lingo series, the team at Lighthouse Logistics discusses drayage.
Table of Contents:
What Does Drayage Mean in Shipping?
Drayage Meaning: Why Is It Called Drayage?
What is an Example of Drayage?
What is the Difference Between Drayage and Freight?
What is the Process of Drayage?
What is Intermodal Drayage?
Is Drayage ‘First Mile’?
Why is Drayage So Expensive?
Synopsis:
Drayage shipping services are the ideal option when shipping containers of goods through ports or rail locations. This service involves short-distance shipping and is often called a ‘first-mile’ service.
What Does Drayage Mean in Shipping?
Drayage has different meanings in logistics. Typically, it connotes a short-distance shipment of containers via a semi-truck. However, many logistics companies regard drayage services as container truck shipments en route to sea ports or rail lines. Drayage is used in international shipping and cross-country logistics.
Drayage Meaning: Why Is It Called Drayage?
The name ‘drayage’ dates back to the origin of the service; shipments were carried in open carts. “dray” is defined as “a low, strong cart without fixed sides, for carrying heavy loads.” Horses originally pulled these heavy loads. Modern drayage uses a different kind of open cart–a chassis.
What is an Example of Drayage?
Many shipment journeys rely on drayage. A drayage truck transporting containers to a Miami international seaport is an example of this service.
Goods that must be transported overseas almost always rely on drayage transport services. However, shipments to Hawaill also rely on drayage services. Many goods must be transported via air or sea to stores in Hawaii; the cost of shipping is one of the reasons why goods are priced higher in the island state.
What is the Difference Between Drayage and Freight?
The term ‘freight’ in logistics refers to all shipping methodologies (truck, ship, rail, air, etc.); this can be long-distance or even a local truck delivery. Drayage refers to the delivery of goods to ports or the delivery of goods via a shorter distance, and drayage always involves a container.
Again, drayage took its name from an open cart; while the type of cart has changed, the meaning of this type of transport remains the same.
What is the Process of Drayage?
When a company uses drayage for shipping, the process involves several steps. Products are loaded into containers mounted to a chassis and the truck takes them to the next phase of shipping–a railway or port.
Once the goods reach their next destination, they are loaded onto rail cars or on the ship. They arrive at the next port or the final destination.
What is Intermodal Drayage?
The term ‘intermodal’ refers to shipments that require multiple carriers to get to the end destination. Intermodal drayage combines trucking services with ships or rail carriers. However, the modes of transport varies per shipment.
Is Drayage First Mile?
Drayage is often the ‘first mile’ or ‘final mile’ in the shipping process. Some logistics companies denote it as a ‘first-mile’ or ‘final-mile’ service.
Why Are Drayage Services Expensive?
Loads moved by drayage require a dedicated semi; while the distance to the destination might be short, drayage is more expensive because of the massive weight of shipments. The cost of shipping also often involves other fees, such as detention, chassis rental, and chassis split.
Contact Lighthouse Logistics for a Drayage Shipping Quote
When considering drayage services, the team at Lighthouse Logistics helps clients understand the costs associated with each carrier option. Call us today and receive a quote for drayage shipping services.
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