Key Considerations When Choosing a Container Drayage Provider

While drayage services may seem to play only a small role in the overall shipping process, they serve as an essential link between the long-haul transportation methods that make up most of the journey. Without drayage, companies may end up with shipping delays and extra costs due to shipments being stuck at ocean ports.

Choosing the right drayage provider is crucial because it directly affects your shipping timeline, transparency, and bottom line. A reliable provider helps ensure your goods arrive on time – every time – to guarantee a positive customer and brand experience with shipping.

Here, we discuss what container drayage is, some advantages of using a drayage company, and key factors to consider when you’re searching for the best drayage provider.

What Is Container Drayage?

Container drayage refers to the transportation of shipping containers over short domestic distances between different modes of transport.

Drayage services are performed by a container trucking company that specializes in transporting containerized freight. These companies work with involved parties, like shippers and freight forwarders, to coordinate the movement of goods. Also known as motor carriers, these trucks haul drayage chassis and other specialized equipment that’s essential for safely and efficiently transporting containers.

For example, if a company sends intermodal, international shipments by cargo ship, they’d enlist a drayage carrier to transport the containers between the port and railroads or to a warehouse or distribution center.

Container drayage is a key part of intermodal transportation, as shipping goods to all kinds of locations can be much more limited without it.

Benefits of Enlisting a Container Drayage Provider

Rather than adding more intricacies to manage in your supply chain process, it can be a smart move to enlist a dependable drayage company to handle this important aspect of transportation. Using a container drayage provider allows your company to:

• Save money: Since drayage providers focus on transporting goods short distances, they know the area well and use optimized routes, minimizing transportation costs. They can also load and unload freight at ports in a timely manner, avoiding potential detention fees.
• Streamline operations: When you partner directly with a drayage company, your logistics operations become more streamlined. Drayage services can reduce administrative tasks and paperwork, and you’ll have the ability to communicate directly with the provider. This also results in greater control over the routing and scheduling of your shipments.
• Experience better shipment visibility: Most drayage carriers offer real-time tracking for shipments, allowing your business visibility into the location of your goods at all times. With the ability to monitor your shipments via advanced tracking tools, you can make more informed decisions, accurately communicate expected delivery times, and stay on top of potential delays.
• Increase sustainability efforts: Being conscious of your environmental impact is more important than ever as consumers place increasing value on sustainability. A sustainable drayage provider may focus on initiatives like using renewable energy, having a network of electric trucks, and diversifying transportation methods for the greatest efficiency.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Container Drayage Provider

Partnering with the right drayage provider for your company’s container transportation needs is crucial to the success of your shipping process. From deciding to enlist a provider to making your final decision, here are some key considerations to keep top of mind when choosing a carrier.

Determine Your Needs

Before you begin researching drayage carriers that might fit your needs, you need to determine what those needs are. Consider the following:

• Types of containers: Think about the container types you typically transport. If there are any specialized containers, the carrier will need to be aware for loading and unloading purposes.
• Container volume: Figure out the number of containers you usually ship to ensure the provider can accommodate the volume as often as needed.
• Expedited services: Consider how often your shipments are time sensitive and require a drayage service that’s expedited.
• Drayage types: Find out what type of drayage you need. For example, you may opt for a door-to-door drayage service if the goods must be delivered directly to your customer instead of a warehouse, distribution center, or storage facility.

Find a Local Provider

The intermodal provider you choose should be located near the area you need them in and have local market expertise for smooth and efficient operations. If they’re near a major port, it can help you reduce costs and transit times and complete logistics processes quicker. A local provider is the best option for ensuring the timely delivery of your goods to their final destination.

Seek a Provider Skilled in Reliable Logistics

It’s important to use a provider that has experience in logistics and a track record to prove it. You should feel comfortable leaving your drayage solutions and handling of intermodal logistics complexities to them.

This includes:

• Coordinating schedules for different transportation modes
• Having equipment readily available for use
• Facilitating on-time transitions throughout each container’s journey

Research the Company’s Reputation

Reputation matters. Investigate each potential provider’s reputation to see feedback from companies they’ve worked with in the past. Look at online reviews, and take note of any recurring themes, positive or negative, so you can discuss the information when you contact them. It can also be helpful to contact references and check the carrier’s on-time delivery history.

Ensure the Provider’s Credibility

Ensuring a provider’s credibility means double-checking that they:

• Are up to date with safety regulations, which can be confirmed by asking for safety record documentation
• Have insurance to cover possible damages, which can be verified by requesting proof of insurance
• Hire experienced drivers who have Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards and clean driving records

Get Multiple Quotes

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s time to reach out to the drayage carriers you think may be a good fit. Obtain quotes from several companies to compare their services and pricing.

Aside from getting what you feel is a fair price, don’t forget to consider any additional services the carrier offers, such as storage services, containers for purchase, or real-time shipment tracking.

Reflect on Your Experience

Your customer experience with each potential provider is also important. Consider which team tailored solutions to your company’s specific needs, communicated clearly and in a timely manner, and expressed their commitment to their customers. Schedule follow-up conversations if you feel like you need more information before making a final decision.

Enhance Your Shipping Process With a Reliable Drayage Provider

It’s important to enlist a dependable drayage partner for the efficient transportation of your goods as they make the journey to their destination. The right carrier will help save your company money, streamline your operations, and keep you informed each step of the way.

DSL Logistics is one of the top container drayage companies in the transportation services industry. We offer local pickup and delivery, container transport, customized drayage solutions, and more. With our customer-centric approach and 80+ years of logistics experience, we’re equipped to enhance your shipping and logistics processes.

Experience the benefits of direct drayage collaboration – request a quote today!