What is Drayage? - Foxconn Logistics

Drayage: is it the name of a fee, a type of truck, or a transportation service? If you work in goods transportation, you’ve likely heard this term.

Drayage plays an integral role in the multi-billion dollar global intermodal freight transportation industry. Like many other industries, intermodal freight transportation took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in shipping and logistics need not worry, the industry has since made a record-breaking comeback in the first quarter of 2021.

Drayage has many meanings in shipping which makes understanding what it is difficult. When people in transportation services use this term, they’re likely talking about carrying freight over a short distance. It can also refer to the name of the fee charged for services by a shipping company and to the vehicle used to collect the shipment at a hub or port.

With the recent boom in the intermodal transportation industry, now is a better time than ever to dive into and learn about drayage. Keep reading for our breakdown into this method of goods transportation.

Breakdown of Classifications

There are many short-distance transportation services grouped under the term drayage. The Intermodal Association of North America (the IANA) sorts these classifications into the following categories:

Door-to-Door: Retail units are taken to the customer via roadways
Expedited: Units containing time-sensitive material goods are transported in a timely and efficient manner
Inter-Carrier: Units are moved over a short distance between different carriers
Intra-Carrier: Transporting units between two hubs owned by the same carrier
Pier: Goods are transported from a prior hub to a pier unit or hub
Shuttle: Units are moved to parking or storing areas temporarily to relieve overcrowding in hubs

The services you need determine which drayage classification you use. Some drayage service methods are better suited for certain businesses.

Why Use Drayage?

Many businesses rely on drayage services to stay afloat. Shopping malls rely on drayage services to get freight in and out of stores. Without access to an external loading area, drayage services deliver to the storefront or to a delivery hub in the mall.

Like shopping malls, trade shows regularly use drayage services. Trade shows rely on these services to move exhibitors in and out of sites quickly and neatly.

It would be near impossible to ship perishable goods if it weren’t for drayage.

This service plays an essential role in the cold chain. This term refers to the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods. Pharmaceutical drugs and certain foods like meat are some goods that need the cold chain.

Your Partner in Shipping: Foxconn Logistics

Foxconn Logistics is a leader in drayage all ocean ports and ramps. We’ve been in the business of transporting goods through many channels for decades. Our team has the shipping experience you’re looking for.

Are you a business that needs to ship regularly? We want to enhance your business strategy! Our mission is to identify and develop opportunities for shippers and carriers.