Drayage

In practice

A container arrives by ship. A drayage truck picks it up at the terminal on a chassis, takes it to a warehouse a few miles away, and later returns the empty container. Each move is short, but the day is shaped by terminal lines, appointment times and free-time deadlines.

Terminal pickup

Container on chassis

Run to warehouse

18 mi

Drop or live unload

Per appointment

Empty return

18 mi

Moves per day

3

Watch

Free time and per diem on the container

EXAMPLE values. Terminal rules and fees vary by port and carrier.

What drayage needs

• A tractor and chassis access. Containers ride on chassis, which may come from a pool, the shipping line or a leasing company.
• Terminal access. Ports require credentials for drivers entering secure areas, and many terminals require a TWIC card for unescorted access. Check the terminal's rules.
• Appointments. Many terminals require scheduled pickup and return times.
• Interchange agreements with the equipment providers whose containers and chassis you pull.

Drayage vs over-the-road

OTR trucking means long hauls across regions. Drayage is local and short, with more time at terminals and less time on the highway. Pay is often per move, plus charges for waiting, chassis use or extra stops. Home every night is common. Local and regional work is covered on our local and regional dispatch page.

Who pays demurrage and per diem in drayage?

It depends on the contract. Demurrage is charged for containers left at the terminal past free time; per diem (or detention) is charged for keeping a container or chassis out too long. The rate con or contract should say who pays, and how delays caused by the terminal or receiver are handled.

Is drayage the same as power only?

They overlap. Drayage trucks pull equipment they don't own, like power only carriers, but drayage is defined by the short port or rail move, not by who owns the trailer.