Drayage Services That Keep Your Freight Moving
Smarter First- and Last-Mile Solutions
Drayage is the short-distance trucking that moves containers between ports, rail ramps, warehouses, and final destinations — the crucial first and last mile of intermodal shipping.
At Envoy, we make drayage simple, cost-efficient, and reliable. Whether you need port pickups, rail deliveries, or full door-to-door service, our team connects every leg so you don’t have to.
What is Drayage?
Drayage is the trucking movement that connects the bigger parts of the supply chain. When a container comes off a ship at the port or is pulled from a rail ramp, it still has to get to a warehouse, distribution center, or customer. That short but critical move is drayage.
It’s not the same as intermodal — drayage is the piece that makes intermodal work. Without it, containers get stuck at the ramp or port, slowing down your entire supply chain.
Shippers rely on drayage to:
Keep freight moving between ports, rail ramps, and warehouses.
Avoid costly fees like demurrage and detention by picking up containers on time.
Clear space quickly at warehouses, especially at end of month or quarter.
Support door-to-door shipping, where one partner manages every leg.
What Drives Drayage Costs?
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Drayage pricing isn’t just about miles.
Several factors influence your final bill:
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Accessorials
Fees for delays, bad pickup numbers, or extra handling.
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Linehaul & Fuel Surcharges
Base trucking costs, fuel varies by region.
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Chassis Use Fees & Splits
Costs tied to container chassis availability and repositioning
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Pre-Pulls
Pulling containers early to reduce risk and storage fees.
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Storage & Detention
Charges when containers sit too long at ramps, ports, or warehouses.
Our Drayage Solutions
Port Drayage
Import/export container moves from U.S. ports.
Rail Drayage
First- and last-mile connections to and from rail terminals.
Door-to-Door Service
One rate, one provider, full dock-to-dock coverage.
Transloading
Breaking down or consolidating shipments for inland distribution.
Chassis & Container Management
Capacity planning to avoid shortages and fees.
Why Envoy for Drayage?
Drayage can be unpredictable — but it doesn’t have to be. Envoy helps you:
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Avoid chassis shortages, long lift lines, and pickup delays.
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We centralize updates so you don’t have to juggle multiple rail sites.
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We review invoices and uncover where breaking out services reduces cost.
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Chicago imports, Wisconsin exports, Milwaukee & Minnesota rail growth.
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Access our trusted network of local, shuttle, and regional drivers.
FAQs
What’s the difference between drayage and intermodal?
Drayage is the short-distance trucking leg. Intermodal is the bigger picture that combines modes like rail, truck, and steamship.
What’s a live load vs. drop & hook?
A live load means the driver waits while the container is loaded or unloaded. Drop & hook means the driver leaves the container on chassis and swaps it later — often faster and more flexible.
What is a street turn?
It’s when an empty container is reused for a nearby export instead of being returned to the terminal first. It saves time, fuel, and cost.
Why would I request a pre-pull?
Pre-pulling means moving the container off the ramp early and holding it until delivery. It helps avoid last-minute congestion, reduces detention/storage risk, and gives you more control.
Do you provide door-to-door rates?
Yes. We can handle first mile, rail linehaul, and last mile in one bundled rate — or break it out if that saves you money.
Can you help me avoid detention and demurrage?
Absolutely. We monitor free time closely, pre-pull when needed, and coordinate with your warehouse to keep containers moving before fees stack up.
Need Drayage You Can Count On?
Stop chasing carriers and managing surprise fees.
Envoy’s drayage services keep your containers moving, costs predictable, and supply chain on schedule.