What Is Container Drayage? A Complete Guide for Importers

What Is Container Drayage?

Container drayage is the short-distance transportation of shipping containers between ports, rail yards, and nearby warehouses or distribution centers. If you import goods through any major U.S. port, drayage is typically the first leg of your inland supply chain.

In Miami, container drayage most commonly involves moving containers from PortMiami or Port Everglades to local warehouses in the Doral, Medley, and Hialeah areas. This short haul — usually under 50 miles — is critical because delays at this stage can cascade through your entire distribution timeline.

How Drayage Works

The drayage process starts when your ocean carrier unloads your container at the port terminal. Your drayage company dispatches a truck with a compatible chassis to the terminal, clears the port gate with proper TWIC credentials, hooks up to your container, and delivers it to the designated facility. The entire process typically takes 2-6 hours depending on port congestion.

Types of Drayage

Import drayage moves containers from the port to an inland destination. Export drayage picks up loaded containers and delivers them to the port for shipping. Inter-carrier drayage transfers containers between different transportation modes, such as from a ship to a rail terminal. Intra-carrier drayage moves containers within the same carrier’s facilities.

Why Choose an Asset-Based Drayage Company

Asset-based drayage companies like Go Freight own their trucks and chassis. This means guaranteed capacity during peak seasons, consistent pricing, and direct communication with your driver. Brokers add a markup and rely on third-party trucks that may not be available when you need them most.

Go Freight provides container drayage from PortMiami and Port Everglades with our own fleet. We also offer warehousing, transloading, and last mile delivery from our Miami facility.

Get a free drayage quote | Call 305-300-5768