How to Reduce Your Container Drayage Costs
Container drayage is one of the most significant line items in an importer’s logistics budget. Here are proven strategies Miami importers use to reduce their drayage spend without sacrificing service quality.
1. Use an Asset-Based Carrier
Freight brokers add a 15-25% markup on drayage. Working directly with an asset-based carrier like Go Freight eliminates this middleman cost. You get the same service at a lower price because there is only one company involved.
2. Avoid Demurrage and Detention
The biggest hidden cost in drayage is not the drayage itself — it is the demurrage and detention charges when containers sit too long at the port or at your facility. Plan your pickups within the free time window (typically 3-5 days) and have your warehouse ready to receive.
3. Consolidate Shipments
If you have multiple containers arriving on the same vessel, scheduling them for pickup together can reduce per-container costs through volume pricing.
4. Choose a Drayage Company with Warehousing
When your drayage provider also operates a warehouse nearby, you eliminate double-handling and reduce overall transportation costs. Go Freight provides drayage, transloading, and warehouse storage from one facility.
5. Negotiate Contract Rates
If you import regularly, negotiate annual contract rates with your drayage provider. Consistent volume commitments typically earn 5-10% discounts off spot rates.