What Is Drayage? A Complete Shipper’s Guide

If you ship containers through the Port of Seattle or Port of Tacoma, drayage is one of the most important — and often overlooked — links in your supply chain. This guide explains what drayage is, how it works, the different types, what it costs, and how to choose the right drayage carrier for your freight.

What Is Drayage?

Drayage is the short-distance transport of shipping containers between a port or rail terminal and a nearby warehouse, distribution center, or other inland destination. It is the critical first or last mile of an intermodal supply chain — the truck move that gets your container from the ship to the warehouse, or from the rail ramp to the final delivery point.

The term comes from the word ‘dray,’ a low, sturdy cart historically used to move heavy goods short distances. Today, drayage is performed by semi trucks pulling chassis-mounted shipping containers, typically traveling within a 50- to 200-mile radius of the port or rail terminal.

How Drayage Works

The drayage process typically follows these steps: A container arrives at the port or rail terminal by ship or train. The shipper or their freight forwarder arranges a drayage carrier to pick up the container. The carrier sends a truck with a chassis to the terminal, picks up the container, and transports it to the destination — usually a warehouse, distribution center, or transload facility.

At the destination, the container is either devanned (unloaded) and returned empty, or held for short-term storage. The drayage carrier then returns the empty container and chassis to the terminal or a designated depot.

Types of Drayage

There are several types of drayage, each serving a different purpose: Port drayage — moving containers between marine terminals and inland facilities. Rail drayage — moving containers between rail ramps and warehouses. Door-to-door drayage — delivering a container directly from the port to the consignee’s door. Inter-carrier drayage — moving containers between two different terminals or facilities. Expedited drayage — time-critical container moves with guaranteed pickup and delivery windows.

Why Drayage Matters for PNW Shippers

In the Pacific Northwest, drayage is the connective tissue between the Port of Seattle, Port of Tacoma, and the region’s vast network of warehouses and distribution centers. Without efficient drayage, containers sit at the terminal, racking up demurrage and detention fees that can cost hundreds of dollars per day.

A reliable drayage carrier with its own chassis pool, experienced TWIC-certified drivers, and real-time dispatch coordination can mean the difference between a smooth supply chain and costly delays. Learn more about our drayage services.

How Much Does Drayage Cost?

Drayage rates vary based on distance, container size, weight, chassis type, and port/terminal fees. Typical drayage costs in the Pacific Northwest range from $200 to $600 per move for standard containers, with overweight or specialized moves costing more. Factors that affect cost include: distance from port to destination, container size (20-ft, 40-ft, 45-ft), overweight surcharges, chassis fees, fuel surcharges, terminal access fees, and after-hours or weekend premiums.

The best way to get an accurate drayage quote is to contact a carrier directly with your shipment details. Request a drayage quote from Singh Trucklines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is drayage in simple terms?

Drayage is the short-distance truck transport of shipping containers between a port or rail terminal and a nearby warehouse or distribution center.

How far does drayage typically go?

Most drayage moves are within 50 to 200 miles of the port or rail terminal. Longer moves are typically handled by intermodal or over-the-road trucking.

What is the difference between drayage and intermodal?

Drayage is the short-distance truck move at the beginning or end of an intermodal shipment. Intermodal refers to the entire multi-mode journey (ship + rail + truck).

Do I need a TWIC-certified driver for port drayage?

Yes. Drivers need a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to access secure areas at the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma.

Need help with your drayage or intermodal freight? Contact Singh Trucklines — CH Robinson’s #1 Intermodal Carrier (2025) — for a fast, competitive quote. Call +1 (253) 277-7784.