Moving a container from port to warehouse may seem like a minor detail in an overall logistics operation. However, that last mile, or first mile, depending on how you look at it, is often the difference between a smooth delivery or a costly delay.
This is what drayage is all about, an essential service that connects different modes of transport, such as ship, train and truck, and is key to making everything work as a well-synchronized cog.
For many importers, exporters or distributors, understanding what drayage is and how it is managed can make the difference between a smooth operation and a fragmented logistics chain.
Despite its impact, drayage remains a little-known concept outside the technical field, which can lead to inefficiencies, unnecessary costs or delays if not managed correctly.
In this article we will explore what exactly the term means, its role in intermodal logistics, the types of services that exist, their benefits and challenges, and how to choose the right provider to manage it.
In addition, we will show how an integrated operator such as Across Logistics can offer a coordinated and efficient solution for this type of operations, especially in contexts where accuracy and time are critical.
What is drayage and where does the term come from?
The term drayage refers to short-haul overland transportation connecting key logistics points, such as ports, rail terminals, airports and distribution centers.
Although its route is usually short, generally within the same metropolitan area or region, its function is critical within intermodal logistics chains, as it allows goods to be moved between different modes of transport without interruption.
The word “drayage” comes from the English “dray,” a type of horse-drawn wagon used in the 18th and 19th centuries to transport goods from docks to local warehouses. Although the concept has evolved, the core idea remains the same: connecting nearby logistics points as part of a larger operation.
Today, drayage is carried out by specialized trucks and coordinated within much more complex processes, involving multiple operators, management systems and customs regulations.
It is an essential part of intermodal transport. It allows sea, rail or air containers to reach their final destination efficiently and safely.
It should be noted that drayage is not to be confused with land transport. While the latter may involve long-distance national or international routes, drayage is limited to short distances that require precise coordination and knowledge of the operating environment (such as access to ports, time windows or document management) to avoid bottlenecks.
The role of drayage in intermodal logistics
Drayage plays a fundamental role in intermodal logistics, where goods are transported using different modes (ship, train, truck) without the need to handle the cargo between transshipments, as it remains inside the same container.
In this context, drayage acts as the link that connects these transportation phases, enabling a smooth transition between terminals and destinations.
For example, after a container arrives at the port, drayage takes it from the marine terminal to a bonded warehouse, a logistics warehouse or a railway station, depending on the next planned leg of the journey. This service is also applied in reverse: picking up the cargo from an inland facility to take it to the port and ship it.
Its role is critical in door-to-door operations, where the end customer has no visibility of the multiple intermediate legs their goods go through. Efficient drayage management avoids delays, minimizes costs associated with port delays or unnecessary warehousing, and ensures that goods arrive on time at their next logistics point.
In addition, in complex urban environments or areas of high logistics density, drayage requires meticulous planning: complying with time windows at ports, coordinating with customs agents, respecting traffic restrictions and ensuring the traceability of goods. This is why many companies choose to work with integrated logistics operators that not only offer inland transport, but also understand the entire intermodal operation and can anticipate possible incidents.
Types of drayage services
Although the term“drayage” is generally associated with short-haul land transport, there are several types of services that respond to different logistics scenarios within the intermodal chain.
Knowing its particularities is key to select the most appropriate option according to the type of cargo, the available infrastructure and the origin/destination of the goods.
Port Drayage
It is the most common and refers to the transfer of containers from a seaport to a storage point, customs area or customer’s facility, and vice versa.
This type of drayage requires a great deal of coordination with the port authority, shipping line, customs brokers and carriers, as waiting times, delays and port costs can escalate rapidly if not managed accurately.
2. Railway Drayage
Occurs when cargo is moved from a rail terminal to a warehouse or logistics center. It can also function as a link between a rail terminal and a seaport, thus connecting land and sea transport.
Punctuality is essential, as trains operate under fixed schedules and lack of synchronization can result in operational losses.
3. Aerial Drayage
This type of drayage connects air cargo terminals (airports) with other logistics points, such as nearby warehouses or distribution centers.
It is especially relevant in urgent or high-value operations, where every minute counts.
Document management and regulatory compliance are even more important in this context.
4. Cross-border drayage
It occurs when short-haul transport crosses national borders, such as between Mexico and the U.S. or between European countries. In addition to the usual challenges, customs controls, local regulations and documentation requirements must be managed with precision to avoid blockages at the border.
Each of these types of drayage requires logistics expertise, responsiveness and specific technical knowledge. It’s not just about moving a container a few miles, but doing it at the right time, with the right permits and in full alignment with the rest of the logistics chain.
Advantages of an efficient drayage service
Although it may seem like a secondary phase in the logistics chain, a well-managed drayage service can have a significant impact on the overall performance of an intermodal operation. The following advantages demonstrate why more and more companies are paying attention to this short but critical stage of transportation:
🕒 Reduction of transit times
Efficient drayage management minimizes the time containers spend in ports, terminals or stations, avoiding costly delays and accelerating the turnover of goods.
This is key in sectors with high inventory turnover or tight delivery windows.
💰 Optimization of logistics costs
Avoiding terminal storage charges, container return delays or downtime in transportation planning significantly reduces operating costs.
In addition, good drayage planning can avoid unnecessary travel and improve resource utilization.
📦 Increased control over goods
A planned drayage allows to maintain traceability of the cargo at all times, identify incidents quickly and act swiftly in the event of unforeseen events. This is especially valuable when transporting sensitive, perishable or high-value goods.
🔁 Agility in intermodal operations
Efficient drayage ensures continuity between the different modes of transport without interruption, which improves the overall coordination of the operation.
This translates into more predictable deliveries, greater reliability for the end customer and less dependence on emergencies or extraordinary transports.
In short, drayage acts as a small but vital cog in a much more complex machine. When it works properly, it drives the performance of the rest of the logistics chain; when it fails, it can throw the entire operation out of whack.
Common challenges in drayage
Despite its advantages, drayage presents a number of operational challenges that, if not properly managed, can lead to delays, cost overruns or even loss of logistics competitiveness. These challenges are especially relevant in port, urban or intermodal environments with a high density of operations.
🚧 Port and urban congestion
Ports and terminals are often areas with high activity and limited access, especially during critical time slots. Congestion can lead to long waits for carriers, financial penalties and delays in the delivery of goods.
📋 Documentary management and customs procedures
Drayage is often conditioned by previous documentary processes, such as container release, customs clearance or the availability of movement permits.
Lack of coordination at this stage can leave the load immobilized for hours or even days.
⏱️ Coordination between operators
The success of drayage depends on synchronization with other logistics players: shipping lines, railways, customs agents, warehouse operators, etc.
Lack of integration between systems or poor communication can lead to bottlenecks or loss of key information.
⚠️ Regulatory and access limitations
Local traffic regulations (e.g., weight or vehicle type restrictions), environmental regulations or limited access areas may condition the drayage route, especially in urban areas or highly regulated environments.
📶 Lack of real-time visibility
In many cases, logistics managers lack real-time information on the status of drayage, which makes it difficult to make decisions in the event of unforeseen events or to communicate with the end customer.
In the face of these challenges, working with an experienced and operationally capable provider is key to guaranteeing service continuity and minimizing the impact of any incident.
Across Logistics and its intermodal transportation services
Across Logistics specializes in intermodal land transportation, strategically combining rail and road to efficiently and economically move goods from point A to point B.
🚚 Main features of the service
Tailor-made solutions: We cover both full truckload (FTL) and less-than-truckload (LTL) for domestic and international shipments, adjusting the strategy according to weight, volume and specific customer needs.
Dangerous cargo (ADR): We have experience and certification to handle dangerous goods, complying with all current regulations, which provides safety and regulatory compliance to the supply chain.
Intelligent intermodality: Combining truck and train allows for cost and time optimization, reaching points accessible by land in the shortest possible time.
Specialized support: We have a ground department that designs a transportation strategy adjusted to the customer’s time and budget requirements.
🔗 Competitive advantages
Operational efficiency: By integrating two modes of transportation, we optimize routes and delivery times, especially in cases of long overland distances.
Logistical economics: Using rail for the main leg and truck for the last leg reduces costs compared to full road routes.
Coverage and flexibility: We cover national and international routes, adapting to each logistics project, whether FTL or LTL.
Compliance and security: Professional ADR freight management and coordination with customs, warehousing and other Across services.
🌍 Integration with the intermodal chain
Our intermodal transport is not an isolated addition; it is the essential overland link in drayage operations within door-to-door chains. By having at our disposal:
We can coordinate container drayage to or from ports, rail terminals or airports, integrating it into a global logistics solution. Thanks to our presence in offices in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas (including Barcelona, Valencia, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Houston) and our worldwide network of agents, customers enjoy a single point of contact and complete visibility throughout the entire operation.
In addition, we have first class accreditations: we are an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), IATA accredited agents for air transport, ISO 9001 certified and GDP accredited for the pharmaceutical sector.
This allows us to offer an agile and secure service, adapted to the real needs of each shipment, guaranteeing efficiency and reliability at all times.
