Drayage plays an important role in getting goods to where they should be on time. Industry professionals may refer to drayage as services such as delivery or ground shipping services, but this last leg of domestic transport is a key link situated near the end of a shipment’s journey. Let’s look into the importance of drayage and its role in a productive supply chain.
What is Drayage?
Drayage is derived from the word dray which is the name of horse-driven carts that helped transport goods over short distances prior to the invention of cars and trucks. Although technology has advanced much over the years, drayage is still an essential part of the global supply chain.
Drayage is the link between international and domestic transport. Typically between ocean ports to the final destination points, it is the transportation of goods over short distances.
What are the Different Types of Drayage?
Drayage comes in a total of six different forms and may also be known as haulage or cartage.
Intra-carrier Drayage – Cargo is transported between intermodal hubs to rail or terminals owned by the same company. This service enables the transportation process to be streamlined and efficient as it involves fewer parties.
Inter-carrier Drayage – As the most common form of drayage, multiple carriers are involved in transporting the container shipment. The cargo is retrieved by truck at the ship’s port of arrival and then transported to the next carrier before the goods reach their final destination.
Door-to-door Drayage – Goods from the seller are transported from their own warehouse directly to the customer’s door and is the most common method for moving retail goods.
Expedited Drayage – Accurate and same-day delivery are transported via ground for time-sensitive deliveries, such as produce or perishable goods.
Shuttle Drayage – Due to delays and overcrowded ports, this method of temporary storage of loaded trucks is needed until there is space available for the movement of shipments.
Pier Drayage – Shipping containers are transported by trucks from the rail port to the shipping dock to be loaded onto ships for transportation.
What’s the importance of Drayage?
The knowledge and expertise of transportation and warehousing companies that manage the task of drayage help facilitate the smooth movement of containers from point to point. Hence, drayage plays a vital role in maintaining efficient costs, business growth, and increasing cargo capability around the world.
Business owners must also consider different aspects when choosing a drayage service provider including safety records, history and experience, insurance limits, timely pick-up/delivery, and effective tracking and tracing tools. Having one trucking company handle your shipment instead of using multiple service partners will also reduce unnecessary risks. Hence, one-stop-shop transportation providers are such great choices for this very reason.
Our success in the container trucking industry is largely attributed to our 24/7 focus on providing customers with exceptional service. From LTL/FTL services throughout Canada to bonded sufferance warehousing, our extensive range of trailers and trucks is here to serve you.
As an industry leader in Metro Vancouver with over three decades of experience and authorized access to Canada’s largest port, you can count on our team to provide a one-stop-shop transportation solution that meets your specific needs. Contact us today at (604)-276-9044 or info@sandhartrucking.com to learn more.
