Intermodal drayage is an essential part of the transportation process and many logistics professionals rely heavily on these services to successfully complete their deliveries on time. However, to properly leverage these opportunities, you need to understand what they involve and how they’re primarily used.
Now, let’s perform a quick breakdown of intermodal drayage and the value it can bring to your shipping operations:
Drayage defined
Drayage refers to moving products over relatively short distances. In some cases, companies can use this service for smaller trips. However, it’s typically used for transporting containers. Additionally, there are many different forms of drayage. It can involve trucking cargo to its final destination or the next stage of transportation. Regardless, the entire process usually takes place in the same city from start to finish.
Additionally, some people use the term to describe the additional charge you have to pay for the service itself. Drayage may play a smaller role in shipping overall, but it is extremely important. Next, let’s look at the different types of drayage.
The different types
It’s helpful to know the varying types of drayage classifications to avoid any potential confusion. Next, let’s look at the six most common categories based on information from the Intermodal Association of North America:
1. Pier drayage
The process of trucking containers from a rail hub to a dock or pier.
2. Door-to-door drayage
The process of transporting retail goods to a customer’s door, primarily using roadways.
3. Inter-carrier drayage
This type involves moving cargo between multiple carriers over rail or road.
4. Intra-carrier drayage
A process where only one carrier manages freight movement from rail to other modes in this process.
5. Shuttle drayage
The process of taking containers, either empty or full, from their origin to a parking lot. This occurs when there’s too much traffic at a certain port or rail hub.
6. Expedited drayage
This method is used for time-sensitive shipments requiring speedy over-the-road transportation that’s especially effective.
The value it provides
Specialty logistics services like these help close the gaps along an intermodal supply chain. Additionally, drayage streamlines shipping operations to ensure smoother deliveries. Lastly, it can also help shippers more quickly respond to any unexpected delays due to the fact that the service covers such little ground.
Getting your freight to its next mode would not be possible without the efficiency of drayage. Additionally, shippers can rest a little easier knowing that their products will be adequately protected by licensed professionals. Lastly, if you’re searching for a provider, or you require any other intermodal services, visit O’Neill Logistics to see what our team has to offer.
About O’Neill Logistics
O’Neill Logistics is a leading 3PL with operations in Rancho Cucamonga; CA, Savannah, GA; and Newark/Monroe, NJ. We service many verticals including Garments, Fashion Accessories, Footwear, Furniture, Home Goods, & Electronics. Additionally, our services include omni-channel distribution and all value-added services. Lastly, we focus on retail “drop shipment” fulfillment and item-level fulfillment services with same-day service offerings.
We have over 2 million square feet which are all state-of-the-art facilities, offer dray services to support the warehouses, and handle distribution to retailers and wholesalers.
Our main drive is to simplify your supply chain by delivering exceptional service and optimizing your operational performance. Therefore, we aim to build, protect and foster strong business partnerships.
In conclusion, our reliable 3PL platform that combines sophisticated technology with robust, flexible processing designs and speed-to-market gateway models, will improve your supply chain efficiency.
