What Is Intermodal Drayage?

Drayage is the short truck move that connects rail and ports to your warehouse. Here is how it works and how to avoid costly delays.

Intermodal drayage is the short-distance trucking that connects rail terminals and ports to warehouses, plants and customers. It is the first and last mile of an intermodal journey, and it has a big influence on cost and reliability.

How drayage works

When a container arrives by train, a drayage driver collects it from the rail ramp on a chassis and delivers it to the consignee. For outbound freight, the process reverses: an empty container is delivered for loading, then taken to the ramp. Each move is governed by terminal appointments, container availability and free-time rules.

Live versus drop

With live service the driver waits while the container is loaded or unloaded. With drop service the container is left and collected later, giving your team more time. Drop service can reduce detention but may increase chassis days.

Charges to watch

• Demurrage — container left at the terminal beyond free time.
• Per diem — container or chassis kept outside the terminal too long.
• Detention — driver waiting beyond the agreed free time.
• Pre-pull and storage — collecting early and storing to meet appointments.

Kansas City drayage

Kansas City is one of the largest rail hubs in the US, with several Class I railroads and major intermodal terminals. See our intermodal drayage service.