What Is Drayage? The Complete Beginner’s Guide

What Is Drayage? A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Drayage is the short-distance transport of shipping containers, typically from a port terminal to a nearby warehouse, rail yard, or distribution center. If you import goods through PortMiami or any U.S. port, drayage is how your container gets from the ship to your door.

Types of Drayage

Port drayage: Moving containers from port terminals to warehouses — the most common type. Intermodal drayage: Connecting port containers to rail terminals. Intra-carrier drayage: Moving containers between terminals within the same port. Door-to-door drayage: Complete delivery from port to the final destination.

How Drayage Fits in the Supply Chain

Your container crosses the ocean on a vessel, gets unloaded at the port, clears customs, and then needs to travel the final 10-50 miles to your warehouse — that’s drayage. Despite being the shortest leg, drayage is often where the most delays and extra costs occur.

What Does Drayage Cost?

In Miami, expect $300-$800 for a local move depending on container size, weight, and distance. Additional fees for fuel surcharges, chassis rental, wait time, and hazmat can add 20-50% to the base rate. Getting a quote specific to your lane is the best way to budget.

Choosing a Drayage Provider

Look for carriers with port experience, proper licensing, TWIC-carded drivers, and strong communication. Asset-based carriers like Go Freight that own their trucks provide more reliable service than pure brokers.