Drayage is the short-distance trucking of an ocean or rail container between a port, rail ramp, container yard, or warehouse. It is the critical first or last leg that connects long-haul ocean and rail shipping to the local destination. When a container comes off a ship at PortMiami, the truck move that pulls it to a warehouse a few miles away is drayage.
Why drayage matters
Drayage is short in distance but high in impact. Ports charge storage fees once a container sits past its free time, and ocean carriers charge per-diem on the container and chassis. A delayed drayage move quickly turns into demurrage and detention charges. Reliable drayage protects the entire supply chain because everything downstream—warehousing, distribution, and final delivery—waits on that container being pulled on time.
Types of drayage
Port drayage
Moving a container from the marine terminal to a nearby warehouse, distribution center, or rail ramp. This is the most common type in Miami.
Intermodal drayage
Transferring containers between transportation modes, such as from a ship to a rail terminal, so freight can continue inland by train.
Shuttle drayage
Moving containers to a temporary holding yard when terminals or warehouses are congested and need to free up space.
Door-to-door drayage
A full move from the port directly to the shipper’s or consignee’s door, the option most importers want.
How a drayage move works
Once a container is discharged from the vessel and cleared by customs, the drayage carrier checks that it is available for pickup. A driver with a chassis enters the terminal, picks up the container, and hauls it to the destination. After the container is unloaded, the empty is returned to the port or a designated depot. The biggest variables are terminal appointment availability, chassis supply, and port congestion—which is exactly where asset-based carriers and smart scheduling create an advantage.
What drives drayage cost in Miami
Drayage rates depend on distance from the port, container size and weight, chassis fees, fuel surcharges, wait time at the terminal, and accessorials such as overweight handling, hazmat, or per-diem and demurrage pass-throughs. Containers that require special handling or that sit past free time cost more. Working with a carrier that owns its trucks and chassis pool removes two of the most common surprise fees.
Asset-based drayage at PortMiami and Port Everglades
Go Freight is an asset-based container drayage carrier serving PortMiami and Port Everglades with 100+ owned trucks and its own chassis pool—meaning no double brokering and no scrambling for equipment. The company is a TSA-approved bonded carrier and uses AI to predict terminal gate times, helping drivers avoid congestion and pull containers before storage fees accrue. Freight can move straight into its 104,000 sq ft bonded Miami warehouse for transload or cross-dock.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between drayage and cartage?
The terms are often used interchangeably for short-haul moves. Traditionally, drayage refers specifically to moving ocean or rail containers near a port or ramp, while cartage is a broader term for local trucking of any freight.
How far can a drayage move go?
Drayage is short-haul by definition—usually within the same metro area or a short regional radius of the port or rail yard. Longer moves are typically classified as regional or over-the-road trucking.
Why is owning a chassis pool important?
Chassis shortages are a leading cause of drayage delays. A carrier with its own chassis pool can dispatch immediately instead of waiting for shared equipment, which keeps containers moving and avoids per-diem charges.
Get reliable Miami drayage
Skip the chassis shortages and double brokering. Go Freight’s asset-based fleet pulls your containers from PortMiami and Port Everglades on time. Request a quote or call (786) 445-0150.