How Do Drayage Companies Operate?

Drayage carriers are trucking companies that move container freight into and out of maritime harbors and/ or intermodal installations (rail ramps). Houston is one of the busiest airports and seaports, where there is a vast cargo movement and massive demand for this drayage transport.

National Drayage Services Houston, generally carries shipments over short distances between installations, both at the launch or end of a bigger payload.

Drayage carriers most frequently

• Pick up or drop containers at seaports and intermodal ramps.
• Transport them between intermodal ramps when they need to change railroads
• Transload across dock shipments from global containers into local containers or dry van trailers.

Drayage carriers in Houston TX, shift containers over the road where trains or ships cannot operate. They drop the containers to these modes of transport from where they are taken to their destination.

Unlike truckload carriers which transport goods on long distances, drayage carriers only carry holders in limited locations. 

Drayage drivers and carriers have certain features and significance that are specific to the regulations and working conditions that are enforced when transporting drayage. Some features include

1) They do not move out of their area

Drayage motorists operate typical daily plans, moving between ramps and anchorages within their city.

2) They must have a CDL (Commercial Driving License).

The companies and drivers must have a commercial driving license to operate the Class 8 tractors that move the drayage chassis.

3) They must register with the UIIA.

Nearly all freight carriers subscribe and comply with the Uniform Intermodal Interchange & Facilities Access Agreement (UIIA). It allows Drayage motorists to use road or other outfit providers that possess chassis without facing contractual or insurance restrictions.

4) They must have a license to operate on ramps and anchorages.

Drayage vehicles and drivers must register with the government for Drayage Truck Registry (DTR) stickers. It helps the authorities control the business inflow entering and exiting ramps and harbors and assists in ensuring that carriers don't violate the rules.

Conclusion

Drayage motorists have a strict daily schedule that includes multiple pick-ups and deliveries. If there is a delay at any one point, it will delay the rest of the consignments and cause a negative impact on the clients.