What is Drayage?

By Seth Newman

Drayage is the transportation of containerized cargo, often to and from warehouses, ocean ports and rail yards. The term “drayage” actually comes from dray horses which were used in the 1800s to help offload train containers via side carts and transport them short distances. Thankfully today, drayage transportation has evolved into much more efficient and much more complex transportation business. 

An example of a drayage shipment would be a cargo ship coming into a seaport and docking. The cargo containers are then removed from the ship and placed onto a chassis that is attached to the truck. Depending on the size and weight of the cargo container, you’ll need a specific chassis. 

A standard chassis can hold both 20’ and 40’ containers. Typically, a 20’ container can hold up to 36,000 lbs while a 40’ container can hold up to 44,000 lbs. If the cargo container that is being moved is considered over 44,000 lbs then your shipment will require a tri-axle chassis in order to handle the weight. 

Drayage shipments also come with plenty of accessorial charges so it’s important to know what you are paying for and the potential charges that may come with a shipment. Here’s a list of charges that may or may not come with a shipment: 

Linehaul Charge – The cost of getting the shipment from Point A to Point B. 

Fuel Sur Charge – The cost of fuel for the shipment. 

Cassis Rental Fee – The cost of renting a chassis, the fee is typical per day. 

Overweight Charge – The cost of moving an overweight container. 

Tri-Axle Charge – The cost of renting a chassis that can move an overweight container. 

Pre-Pull Container Charge – The cost of storing a container at a warehouse short-term. 

Storage Charge – The cost of warehousing a container until it’s ready to be moved. 

Detention Charge – The cost of long loading/unloading periods at ports. 

Dry Run Charge – The cost of the shipment not being ready when a carrier arrives. 

Ally has partnered with trusted drayage carriers around every port in the U.S. and can help assist in moving cargo shipments to warehouses, rail yards or other ports coast-to-coast. If you or one of your customers are in need of an expert transportation partner with knowledge of the drayage industry you can contact one of our sales reps by calling 888-466-1024 or by sending a quote request through our portal page.