Who Does Drayage? The People and Providers Behind Short-Haul Cargo Moves

Drayage depends on people and organizations working together to move freight across short distances—typically between a maritime terminal, rail ramp, or distribution center and another nearby facility. Understanding who performs drayage clarifies how the first and last mile of cargo movement is staffed, managed, and regulated.

Primary operators

• Drayage carriers and owner-operators – These are specialized trucking companies or independent drivers that operate yard tractors, day cabs, and chassis to pick up and deliver containers. They often work on tight schedules and must have permits, insurance, and familiarity with terminal procedures.
• Terminal and port staff – Container terminals, marine terminals, and intermodal facilities employ gate clerks, yard controllers, and equipment operators who interact with drayage drivers to load, unload, and stage containers.
• Rail ramp operators – At intermodal yards, rail carriers and their terminal personnel coordinate with drayage drivers to transfer containers between trains and trucks.

Intermediaries and coordinators

• Freight brokers and dispatchers – Brokers match shippers’ loads with drayage carriers, negotiate rates and manage communications. Dispatchers within carrier companies assign drivers and manage day-to-day routing and timing.
• Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) – 3PLs and logistics managers may arrange drayage as part of broader supply chain services, consolidating loads, arranging appointments, and handling billing and claims.
• Freight forwarders – For international shipments, forwarders coordinate drayage to and from ports or inland gateways as part of the door-to-door movement they sell to importers and exporters.

Shippers and consignees

• Importers and exporters – The cargo owners or their agents arrange drayage to collect or deliver containers. They may contract carriers directly or work through brokers or 3PLs.
• Warehouses and fulfillment centers – These facilities receive containers via drayage for unloading, cross-docking, or long-term storage. Their inbound processes influence appointment times and acceptance windows.

Supporting services

• Chassis providers – Many regions use separate companies that own and rent chassis; drayage drivers may need to pick up a chassis before collecting a container.
• Customs brokers and compliance agents – For international cargo, brokers clear goods with customs and notify consignees when drayage can occur.
• Equipment and maintenance technicians – Reliable drayage requires functioning tractors, chassis, and terminal equipment; maintenance crews keep vehicles roadworthy and compliant.

Regulatory and credentialing roles

• Licensed drivers – Many drayage drivers must hold specific credentials such as a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and sometimes specialized port access cards (e.g., TWIC in the U.S.).
• Carrier compliance officers – These staff ensure driver hours, insurance, and emissions rules are followed—especially in regions with strict environmental or labor regulations.

Real-world example

At a busy container port, a typical drayage move might begin when an ocean carrier uploads container availability to a terminal. A broker books a truck with a drayage carrier, who dispatches a driver. The driver arrives at the terminal, passes gate checks by terminal staff, hooks the container to a chassis, and delivers it to a nearby warehouse. If anything goes wrong—a missed appointment or customs hold—the broker, warehouse staff, and terminal personnel all coordinate to resolve the issue.

Best practices for the who in drayage

• Shippers should vet carriers for terminal experience, insurance, and correct credentials.
• Carriers and drivers should maintain clear communication with terminals and consignees, keeping documentation and appointment confirmations accessible.
• Brokers and 3PLs should verify terminal gate rules and chassis availability before dispatching a truck.

Common mistakes

Underestimating the complexity of terminal access rules, insufficient verification of driver credentials, and failing to coordinate appointment windows can all lead to delays and extra fees. Recognizing the distinct roles—drivers, carriers, terminals, brokers, and shippers—helps beginners understand who does the work and how to interact effectively with each party.

In short, drayage is a team activity. Knowing the roles and responsibilities of the people and providers involved will help anyone new to logistics navigate short-haul cargo moves more confidently.