If you’re working in the logistics and shipping industry, then we are sure you have heard about freight shipping. This is a complex process that needs a lot of attention and understanding. Many people might think that parcels can only be delivered by ships and planes. However, this is not the case. There is another means through which the delivery process can be done, and that is drayage.
If you don’t know what is drayage and how this service works in the logistics? Then this article has covered you. So, let’s jump right into it.
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Part 1: Understanding Drayage
The first question that might come to your mind is, what is drayage? Drayage is a small but essential part of getting the goods delivered to the places where they need to be. The literal meaning of drayage is the delivery of products over short distances and movements. This is a part of the supply chain, and this term is mainly used in the container shipping industry. This can also be called the multimodal transport system.
The history of drayage dates back to a long time. The term drayage came from the word “dray,” which meant horse-drawn cart. In the past, when animals were used as the means of transportation, there were also limits to it. This means that the people were only able to use this means for short distances. Hence, this same concept is not used with technology.
Drayage can be used in multiple scenarios. It involves the trucking of products that are present in containers and is done from port to port. Other than this, the drayage can also be used to transport the cargo from to port to the railway system so that they can further move to their destination. Lastly, with the help of drayage trucks, cargo can also be delivered directly to their last location.
Hence, this intermodal transportation system has become an essential part of logistics. With the help of this system, companies can ship their products cost-effectively, and it also helps save time.
Part 2: What is Drayage Truck?
The next thing that you might be wondering is what drayage trucks are. The drayage trucks are not like your ordinary trucks. They are the large semi-trailers’ trucks that are used for the transfer of these shipments and cargo.
These trucks are also excellent for transferring bulk freight between different shipping facilities. Some notable companies and organizations operate them for transferring the goods from one place to another.
The driver of the drayage trucks needs to have the CDL, i.e., the commercial driver’s license. Other than this, they require special permits to enter the ports. Othe requirements include a transportation worker identification card, and registration in the UIIAs driver database.
Part 3: Drayage Service Explained
There are six different types of drayage services that you can find. Let’s have a quick look at each one of them and explore how they work.
1. Inter-carrier Drayage
This type of transportation is used when the cargo needs to be transported between the carriers. This means that transportation can take place between rail-to-rail, sea-to-rail, and even rail-to-sea. For example, if the goods are shipped to a port and then they need to be transferred to the railway, then these railway trucks are used for this process.
2. Expedited Drayage
The next type we have is expedited drayage. Expedited drayage is used when the goods need to be transferred on the immediate basis. This is a fast service that helps in moving the cargo from one station to another.
3. Intra-Carrier Drayage
Intra-carrier drayage is just what the name suggests. This type of transportation is generally used to transport the goods within the hubs. In this case, if the goods come to one station and are scheduled to be boarded on the plane in another part of the hub, then the drayage trucks are used for transportation.
4. Door-to-door Drayage
Door-to-door drayage involves direct transportation of goods to the customer’s house. This type of drayage is commonly used for e-commerce situations where the delivery packages are supposed to be delivered at the doorstep.
5. Shuttle Drayage
This is a double-function drayage, which means it is used for storing goods as well as transporting them. The cargo that is accessible and can’t be stored in the docks is kept in these trucks. The same truck can transport these goods whenever needed.
6. Pier Drayage
This type of drayage is used when the cargo needs to be transported from the rail hub to the dock or the pier.
Part 4. Why is Drayage so Important?
Now, you might be wondering why this drayage is so essential. Then let us give you an answer. Most countries feature multiple ports, and when you need to transfer the goods from one place to another or from the hubs to the logistics, you need a mode of transportation, and this is where this drayage comes into action.
The following are some of the reasons why drayage is so essential.
1. Facilitate the Intermodal Transferring
One of the main reasons why drayage is used is because it helps move the containers and the cargo from one place to another. This can be between shipping ports, railway stations, and other hubs.
2. Allows Timely Movement
Another reason why it is so vital to use drayage is because it makes it very easy to transport these containers in time. The refrigerated cargos that are temperature-controlled are transported quickly between the ports.
3. Easy Transportation
Here, you will see that the trucks move between the vessels and the warehouses. This means that the transportation will be a lot smoother and faster.
4. Keeps the Supply Chain Steady
With the help of these tracks and this transportation system, businesses can ensure timely and uninterrupted deliveries, leading to steady supply chain functions.
5. Security
Mostly, drayage trucks are provided by company’s managed services. Meaning with the help of them, the cargo and the containers will securely transport goods. You won’t even have to worry about goods getting misplaced, and everything will be kept protected and secured.
6. Accuracy
Drayage services aim to be accurate in transportation when ensuring secure and timely deliveries. With them, you can bridge the gap between different modes of transportation and make seamless transitions in the broader logistic networks.
Conclusion
The drayage services are widespread nowadays and have been seen to be beneficial for logistics and the supply chain. Owing to this mode, cargo transportation from one place to another has become seamless. These drayage services are also very secure and accurate. All this comes together to make the supply chain steady and avoiding any potential delays in order delivery.
If you are trying to look for a good fulfillment center that will help you grow your business and also tackle the issues related to the drayage, then make sure you visit NextSmartShip. This amazing company is breaking the boundaries in helping small businesses grow faster, and well-established businesses maintain their name in the game.
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