Drayage refers to the short-distance transport of whole shipping containers between locations like ports, rail yards, and warehouses. This service is a critical component of intermodal freight shipping, handling the "first and last miles" of a container's journey. Drayage ensures cargo is moved efficiently to and from different modes of transport, such as ships and trains, and to its final destination.

How Drayage Works

First and Last Mile: Drayage covers the initial movement of cargo from a manufacturer to a port, and the final movement from a port or rail yard to a warehouse or distribution center. 

Intermodal Transport: It's the part of the supply chain where containers are moved via truck while not on a ship or train. 

Container Movement: Specialized drayage carriers and equipment are used to move large, standardized shipping containers.

Why Drayage is Important

Supply Chain Integration: It is an essential link in the global supply chain, connecting different transport hubs and facilitating the flow of goods. 

Timeliness: Proper drayage helps avoid delays and costly fees like port detention, which are charged for containers idling at the port beyond a set "free time" period. 

Efficiency: Despite being a small part of the total journey, efficient drayage is crucial because delays or problems in this stage can have disproportionately high costs and impact the entire supply chain.

The "Dray" Connection

The term "drayage" comes from the word "dray," which was a type of low, horse-drawn cart without sides, commonly used in the 18th and 19th centuries for short-distance deliveries.
Today, the function of the dray horse and cart has been replaced by semi-trucks designed to transport heavy containers over short distances.