If the world of drayage feels like uncharted territory, you’re not alone. This handbook is your essential guide, providing insights on when and why drayage is the optimal choice for moving containers, how to connect with reliable service providers, and what sort of benefits you can expect from this indispensable shipping mode.
What is Drayage?
First things first, what is drayage? Drayage is a vital link in the logistics chain, particularly crucial for moving containers swiftly and seamlessly in and out of ports and rail ramps. It’s essentially the short-distance transportation of goods, typically by trucks, from a port to a nearby destination or vice versa.
When and Why?
The decision to opt for drayage depends on various factors. If you’re dealing with containerized cargo, especially at ports, drayage is often the most efficient choice. Whether it’s streamlining the movement of imports or ensuring swift export procedures, drayage steps in to handle the first or last leg of your cargo’s journey.
What to Look for in a Drayage Company
Choosing the right drayage provider is crucial for a smooth and efficient shipping experience. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting your drayage partner:
Experience and Expertise
Look for providers with a proven track record in drayage services. Ground Force Logistics boasts a team of experts well-versed in moving containers across major ports in the United States and Canada.
Port Understanding
Drayage involves navigating the intricacies of ports and rail ramps. Your drayage service provider should have a deep understanding of these locations to optimize pick-up times, minimize demurrage costs, and ensure timely returns.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Opt for a drayage partner that offers you cost-effective solutions. Ground Force Logistics provides minimal or no additional fees from your Steamship Line (SSL) and additional cost savings through strategic equipment utilization.
Chassis Availability
The availability of standard and tri-axle chassis is crucial for expediting your shipments without unnecessary delays. Ground Force Logistics ensures that you have the right chassis to meet your specific shipping needs.
Warehousing Facilities
Access to strategically placed warehouses near ports is advantageous for handling extremely overweight or damaged containers. Ground Force Logistics offers such facilities, ensuring the safe storage and handling of your goods.
Expertise in Hazardous Materials
If your shipments involve hazardous materials, ensure that your drayage provider has hazmat-certified experts on staff. Ground Force Logistics stands ready to handle chemical or explosives containers with the highest safety standards.
Ship Smarter with Ground Force Logistics’ Drayage Services
When it comes to drayage, Ground Force Logistics stands as your trusted partner, seamlessly moving containers in and out of every major port and rail ramp across the United States and key locations in Canada. Our team of logistics experts is not just acquainted, but deeply familiar with the intricacies of each port, all the way down to the nitty gritty details such as picking up within the “free time” to avoid demurrage charges.
Ready for smarter drayage shipping? Contact our team today to get started.