In the freight and logistics industry, drayage is considered a critical component. This term refers to the short-distance transportation of cargo—usually containerized freight—from a port, rail terminal, or distribution center to its next destination. This leg of the journey typically spans less than 100 miles, but it’s essential for the supply chain.
Simply put, drayage connects ports, rail yards, and warehouses, acting as the short-haul bridge between long-distance transportation modes. This job is time-sensitive, requiring a lot of coordination because it involves tight schedules and port or rail yard logistics.
If you’re in the freight business and looking to break into or expand within the drayage sector, you need to understand how to get drayage loads consistently. This is what One Freight Broker is going to cover here today.
Why Drayage is So Important
Drayage might only cover a few miles, but it can make or break delivery timelines. If a container isn’t picked up quickly from a port, demurrage fees begin to rack up. Similarly, failing to return containers on time can mean per diem charges. This is why shippers and freight brokers depend on reliable drayage carriers to keep operations smooth and costs low.
Keeps Supply Chains Moving
Drayage ensures that cargo doesn’t sit idle at ports or rail yards. By swiftly transporting containers to warehouses, distribution centers, or intermodal hubs, it helps maintain the momentum of the entire supply chain. Without it, bottlenecks can occur, leading to inventory shortages and delayed shipments.
Prevents Port Congestion
Efficient drayage operations help clear containers from ports quickly, reducing the risk of congestion. When ports become overcrowded, it slows down unloading processes, delaying incoming shipments. By keeping the flow of goods steady, drayage supports better port logistics and improved turnaround times for vessels.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Drayage Loads
For independent carriers, owner-operators, or small fleets, drayage work can be a steady and profitable niche—especially with the growing demands of e-commerce and international trade. Just keep in mind that entering the drayage market requires more than just a truck; it takes the right licenses, connections, and tools. Here, One Freight Broker breaks down each step of how to get drayage loads and start building a strong, reliable business in this industry.
1. Get Properly Licensed
The first step before you can start hauling drayage loads is to get licensed. For this, you’ll need to secure the proper operating authority and credentials. This typically includes a USDOT number and a Motor Carrier (MC) number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
You may also need a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to access port facilities and intermodal terminals. Some states and ports may require additional permits, so it is essential to do your research on local requirements to make sure you are compliant.
2. Purchase or Lease the Right Equipment
Drayage involves transporting intermodal containers, so you’ll need a reliable truck (usually a day cab) and a chassis that can carry standard 20-foot or 40-foot containers. You can either purchase or lease these, but make sure the equipment meets the specifications for the ports or rail yards you’ll be servicing.
Maintenance is key—ports are strict on emissions and safety standards, especially in areas like California where clean truck programs are enforced.
3. Sign Up on Load Boards
Many drayage loads are posted on specialized load boards where shippers, brokers, and freight forwarders connect with carriers. Signing up on popular platforms like DAT, Truckstop.com, 123Loadboard, ComFreight, and DrayNow can help you access available loads.
DAT is particularly strong for its volume and analytics, helping carriers find high-paying drayage loads near major US ports. Truckstop.com provides detailed freight information and credit insights, making it easier to choose reliable shippers. 123Loadboard also stands out for its user-friendly interface and mobile accessibility, making it ideal for owner-operators.
Additionally, niche platforms like ComFreight and DrayNow cater specifically to drayage and short-haul freight, often partnering directly with port terminals and intermodal brokers.
No matter which load board you choose, make sure your profile is complete and has your service area, equipment details, and credentials. This will allow brokers and shippers to match you with the right opportunities more easily.
4. Develop Broker Relationships
In drayage—and in the freight industry as a whole—relationships are just as valuable as your equipment. Establishing strong connections with freight brokers who specialize in intermodal and port drayage can lead to consistent work.
Reach out to local brokers, attend logistics trade shows, and join industry networks to build rapport. Be professional, reliable, and communicative—brokers tend to favor carriers who make their job easier.
Similarly, you should build relationships with third-party logistics providers (3PLs). These intermediaries often have established connections with importers, exporters, and large shippers who need containers moved to and from ports and rail yards.
Working with 3PLs can give you access to consistent load opportunities. Just like working with brokers, you must demonstrate dependability and the ability to handle time-sensitive port work to land opportunities consistently.
5. Work Directly with Shippers
If you would rather skip the intermediaries, you can always just work directly with shippers. This can include manufacturers, retailers, or distributors that import and export goods.
To attract direct clients, you’ll need to show that you understand drayage logistics, offer competitive pricing, and maintain excellent service and communication. A direct shipper relationship often means better margins since you eliminate the broker or 3PL middleman.
Tips for Building a Reputation in the Drayage Industry
In the freight brokerage industry, your reputation can make or break your business. Ports are busy, fast-paced environments, and brokers depend on reliable partners who can keep cargo moving without problems. Here are a few key tips to follow if you want to build a strong reputation in the drayage world:
Always Be on Time
It goes without saying, but time is everything in drayage. Ports operate on tight schedules, and missing a pickup or delivery window can lead to storage fees, missed bookings, or lost contracts. Brokers and shippers expect punctuality, so planning routes carefully and allowing buffer time for traffic or port delays is essential.
Keep Clean Paperwork
Clean, accurate paperwork is the backbone of any freight operation. Submitting Proof of Delivery (POD), invoices, and EDI documents on time helps brokers close their books quickly and avoid payment delays. Staying organized and digital can set your service apart from the rest.
Communicate Delays Quickly
Delays happen, but how you handle them matters. Whether it’s weather, chassis shortages, or port congestion, notifying brokers as soon as possible helps them adjust schedules and maintain trust in your operation. Failing to inform them can damage your credibility faster than missing an appointment.
Work with One Freight Broker
Drayage is one of the most essential and reliable sectors in the freight world. But if you want to succeed in this industry, it requires organization, planning, technology, and relationship-building.
If you are in need of reliable freight transportation services, work with One Freight Broker. One Freight Broker is known for its inclusive approach that eliminates the middleman, allowing clients to reduce dependence on intermediaries and build direct, beneficial, and enduring connections with reliable trucking partners.
Since our founding back in 2013, One Freight Broker has significantly reduced shipping costs for clients, amounting to tens of millions in savings, thanks to this unique approach. Beyond this, we also offer a wide service range that allows us to cover everything you need from LTL to FTL, domestic to international, and expedited shipping.
One Freight Broker is committed to providing tailored logistics solutions that align with your shipping costs and needs. Choose One Freight Broker if you want an unprecedented depth of strategic insight and procurement expertise.
When you partner with One Freight Broker, you gain access to a vast network of carriers, competitive rates, and a team of experts dedicated to optimizing your shipping process. Whether you’re shipping domestically or require assistance with more complex logistics, we’re here to ensure your freight reaches its destination efficiently and cost-effectively.
Contact Us Today
Ready to simplify your shipping experience? Contact One Freight Broker to discover how our expertise can benefit your business, ensuring your cargo is in safe hands every step of the way.
For more information on how we can assist your business, visit our website at 1fr8.broker.
