Drayage is the short-haul transport of goods over a short distance, typically the movement of shipping containers between a port terminal and a nearby warehouse, rail yard, or distribution centre. It’s the first or last leg of an intermodal shipment — the truck ride that connects ocean or rail transport to the next stage.
The word dates back to the era of horse-drawn “drays” (low, flat carts) used to haul heavy loads short distances.
You’ll hear this when…
Drayage is a key term in international shipping and port logistics. “Drayage costs” are the fees charged for container pickup and delivery at port areas. These costs can vary significantly based on port congestion, driver availability, fuel prices, and the distance from the terminal.
“Drayage driver” refers to the truck driver who handles this short-haul work. Drayage is a specialised segment of trucking — the routes are short but the work involves navigating port terminals, customs checkpoints, and container handling equipment.
If someone mentions “drayage delays,” it usually means port congestion is slowing container movement. During the 2021–2022 supply chain crisis, drayage bottlenecks at major US ports contributed significantly to shipping delays.
The cost surprise
Drayage is often one of the most expensive per-mile segments of a shipment because of port fees, chassis rental, waiting time (demurrage and detention), and regulatory requirements. A 30-mile drayage move can cost more per mile than a 2,000-mile long-haul truck trip.
Source: Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and port authority rate publications