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Lync Logistics

Shipping freight isn’t simple. But we make it simpler.

Drayage Shipping and It’s Role in Logistics Chain

What Are Drayage Shipping Services and Why Are They a Big Deal?

Think of drayage as the quick, short-distance leg of a long journey—usually moving a shipping container from a port or rail terminal to a warehouse or distribution center nearby. It’s that vital connector between sea, rail, and road transport that keeps your supply chain flowing smoothly.

Whether we’re talking about marine drayage—where the cargo stays in the same container from ship to delivery—or domestic drayage, where freight is transferred into a domestic 53-foot container and then hauled inland—it’s all about seamless transfer from one leg to the next.

A crane is attached to a blue freight container that is about to be lifted in the air by the crane, demonstrating Drayage | Photo by Bernd đź“· Dittrich on Unsplash

Why Drayage Matters

Though specific limits vary by jurisdiction, the drayage shipping services thresholds includes:

  • Essential continuity: Without it, containers get stuck at ports or rail yards. Drayage keeps goods moving to their next stop.

  • Boosts security and reduces handling: Once a container is sealed, it stays sealed. Less touching means fewer risks of loss or damage.

  • Fast and efficient: Designed for short hops—often within the same shift—drayage bridges critical gaps in intermodal freight flows.

Types of Drayage Shipping Services

Drayage comes in different flavors, depending on your needs:

Diagram showing intermodal freight transport. A container is moved from a cargo ship to a warehouse, then to a train, then to a truck, and finally to another train. Each step shows a container being lifted and transferred between transport modes

What Can Go Wrong
(and How to Avoid It)

Port congestion & delays
Delays at terminals can derail schedules quickly. Planning ahead and maintaining real-time communication is essential.

Unexpected fees
Miss your pick-up “last free day”? You’ll rack up demurrage or drop fees fast. Lync tracks deadlines so you don’t pay a double penalty.

Miscommunication or lack of visibility
Drayage involves a lot of moving parts—carriers, terminals, docs. Lync keeps everyone synced so your container is never lost in the shuffle.

Smart Tips for Smooth
Drayage Shipping

1. Align your timeline with port rules—know the cutoffs for free days.

2. Stay in sync—share container number, ETA, and docs early so Lync can coordinate pickup.

3. Ask about drayage service types—not all carriers support specialized moves like expedited or rail transfers.

4. Plan for the future—green infrastructure and EM (electric) mandates are on the rise—time to prep now.

Drayage at LYNC Logistics: What Sets Us Apart

Lync offers personalized, one-on-one intermodal drayage brokerage that simplifies the process from port to pallet Lync Logistics. Here’s how we help:

  • Expert coordination for any drayage type, whether port-to-door, inter-carrier, or expedited—Lync handles it all Lync Logistics.

  • Smooth communication, zero confusion—you get a dedicated contact who keeps tabs on your drayage every step of the way.

  • Fee-aware planning—they help you avoid those nasty demurrage or detention charges by staying ahead of pick-up and drop deadlines.

  • Reliable carrier network—Lync taps into trusted drayage operators, ensuring your container moves predictably and confidently.

Drayage shipping might seem like a short leg, but it’s one of the most critical legs in your freight’s journey. It ensures smooth transitions from ship to rail to truck—keeping your supply chain moving.

With Lync Logistics, that move is smoother, smarter, and more cost-effective. Whether it’s drayage from port to warehouse, expedited to meet tight deadlines, or navigating environmental mandates—they’ve got it covered.