Drayage: Definition and Examples

What is drayage?

Drayage is the truck movement of freight, commonly containers, over a relatively short connecting leg. In U.S. intermodal logistics, it often links an ocean port or rail terminal with a warehouse, distribution center or another terminal.

How drayage fits into a shipment

A container may arrive by vessel, travel by truck to a nearby facility and then continue through a domestic distribution network. Alternatively, a truck may take a loaded container to a rail terminal for a longer train journey. The connecting truck leg is drayage; the full shipment can involve several modes.

The container usually remains intact during this movement. Transloading is different: it involves transferring the goods themselves into another container, trailer or transport unit.

What needs to be coordinated?

Container number, size and pickup location.
Cargo availability and any required release.
Terminal appointments, cutoffs and access requirements.
Suitable chassis and equipment arrangements.
Delivery instructions, unloading plan and empty-return location.
Applicable free time and potential delay charges.

A short distance does not necessarily mean a simple pickup. A container that is not released or available cannot be collected merely because a truck has arrived. The receiving appointment and empty-return plan also need to fit the schedule.

Planning transport with DAGO Express

State clearly whether the request concerns an intact shipping container or loose, crated or palletized goods already unloaded from it. These require different equipment and arrangements. Ask for confirmation of the specific transport scope before booking; this definition does not establish a DAGO Express drayage offering.

Frequently asked questions

Is drayage the same as last-mile delivery?

No. Drayage commonly connects terminals and freight facilities. Last-mile delivery describes the final leg to a recipient, which may involve entirely different equipment and cargo.