Container drayage is the specialized process of transporting shipping containers over short distances, typically between ports, rail yards, and nearby warehouses or distribution centers. As the critical "first and last mile" of international shipping, drayage ensures seamless connections between ocean freight, rail networks, and final delivery points. For businesses relying on Port of Miami and Port Everglades, understanding drayage is key to avoiding delays and optimizing supply chains.
The term drayage originates from horse-drawn "drays" used in the 1800s to move goods short distances. Today, modern trucks handle this task, but the core purpose remains: bridging gaps between transportation modes.
Key characteristics:
Short-haul trips (usually under 50 miles)
Specialized trucks and chassis for container handling
Critical for port operations and intermodal logistics
The Intermodal Association of North America categorizes drayage into six primary types:
Port Drayage: Moving containers from seaports to nearby facilities.
Inter-Carrier Drayage: Transferring containers between different rail/truck carriers.
Expedited Drayage: Priority transport for time-sensitive cargo.
Intra-Carrier Drayage: Relocations within the same carrier’s network.
Shuttle Drayage: Temporary storage transfers during port congestion.
Door-to-Door Drayage: End-to-end delivery from port to final destination.
For a deeper dive, explore our Comprehensive Guide to Drayage Services.
Every year, 30 million marine containers enter U.S. ports-each requiring at least two drayage moves. Efficient drayage keeps ports fluid and avoids costly delays like demurrage fees.
Drayage links ships, trains, and trucks. For example:
A container arrives at Port of Miami by ship.
A drayage truck moves it to a rail yard.
A train transports it cross-country.
Another drayage truck delivers it to a Chicago warehouse.
Poorly managed drayage increases expenses through:
Detention fees for late container returns
Storage costs during delays
Penalties for missed delivery windows
Congestion: Miami ranks among the top 10 U.S. container ports, handling 1.25 million TEUs annually.
Weather: Hurricane season disrupts schedules.
Regulations: Strict weight limits for overweight containers.
Local Expertise: 30+ years navigating Miami and Port Everglades terminals.
Asset-Based Fleet: Owned trucks and chassis eliminate third-party delays.
Integrated Services: Combine drayage with warehousing and transloading for end-to-end efficiency.
| Challenge | Miami Container Trucking’s Solution |
|---|---|
| Port congestion | Pre-pull containers before free time expires |
| Chassis shortages | Maintain a private chassis fleet |
| Documentation errors | Digital tracking and real-time updates |
| Weather delays | Contingency routing and 24/7 monitoring |
| Factor | Drayage | General Trucking |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Short-haul (under 50 miles) | Long-haul (cross-country) |
| Equipment | Specialized chassis and containers | Standard trailers |
| Purpose | Intermodal connections | Direct freight movement |
Use a Drayage Calculator
Estimate fees based on distance, wait time, and container type.
Optimize Container Returns
Avoid detention fees by scheduling returns within free time windows.
Bundle Services
Pair drayage with Miami transloading to reduce handling costs.
Local Knowledge: Mastery of Port of Miami and Port Everglades workflows.
Transparency: No hidden fees-view our drayage rates upfront.
Reliability: 99% on-time delivery rate across South Florida.
Drayage is a subset of intermodal shipping, focusing specifically on short-haul container moves between ports and nearby facilities.
At South Florida Container Terminal (SFCT), appointments are mandatory. Other terminals offer flexible access.
Miami Container Trucking provides GPS-enabled real-time tracking for all shipments.
Container drayage doesn’t have to be a supply chain headache. With Miami Container Trucking, you get a partner that combines local expertise, modern technology, and proven strategies to keep your cargo moving.
Next Steps:
Calculate your costs: Drayage Rate Calculator
Explore our services: Port Drayage Solutions