Drayage refers to the transportation of a container from an ocean port to the next destination in the supply chain. Often called “the first mile”, this typically involves a short-distance trip—usually to a nearby warehouse or distribution center.
Drayage most commonly involves transport by truck, though intermodal drayage may include a combination of truck, rail, sea, or air modes. This service comes with a drayage base fee, similar to a pickup and delivery charge, which shippers must factor into their logistics planning.
While the first leg of a shipment’s journey may appear minor, drayage plays a critical role in:
- Maintaining efficient port operations
- Reducing container congestion
- Ensuring the smooth handoff to the next stage of transport
Effective drayage management is essential to minimizing delays and supporting a streamlined supply chain flow from the port onward.