There are a lot of factors at play when choosing a drayage carrier for your cargo. Luckily, finding a shipper does not have to be difficult when you have the right tools. This article will discuss why drayage is important, how to find shippers for the job, and what makes the best drayage partner for your company’s shipping needs.
What is Drayage?
It is a subcategory within the world of intermodal transportation. Primarily, drayage is centered around carrying cargo across a short distance, often in a drayage truck. It is often overlooked, but this plays a significant role in the supply chain. The safe and efficient transportation of freight is essential to keeping operations smooth. Top drayage companies are often equipped with specialized equipment and vehicles to securely transport cargo. Heavy Weight Transport has designed its own specialized chassis and tractors to give its customers better transportation and better costs.
Types of Drayage
Services do not stay the same for every shipment. Different types of drayage will be of benefit depending on the client’s needs. Here are a few different types of drayage that you can choose from:
- Marine or Domestic: These types focus on the type of shipping container that is being transported. Marine drayage refers to cargo being kept inside the marine shipping container for the entirety of its journey. Domestic drayage refers to cargo that is transferred from its marine shipping container to a domestic one.
- Inter-Carrier: Cargo moves short distances between carriers, like from a ship terminal to a railyard.
- Intra-Carrier: Cargo moves between locations owned by the same carrier, like from an intermodal hub to a railyard.
- Expedited: Time-sensitive cargo is delivered over the road. Often, these expedited shipments are small and transported on smaller trucks.
- Shuttle: An intermodal unit is moved to a temporary location to help with overcrowding at an original hub spot.
The best drayage carriers should not be limited to a single type of drayage work. They should be able to accommodate your shipping needs and help move your cargo where it needs to be, no matter the form.
Features of Top Drayage Companies
There are a lot of features to look for in a drayage company. Here are some things to keep in mind as you search for the ideal partner for your business.
Capacity
Make sure your carrier is capable of handling your amount of cargo. How many drayage trucks do they have in their fleet? Do they have specialized equipment for different jobs? Heavy Weight Transport specializes in carrying heavy cargo; their fleet of multi-axle chassis can carry up to 64,000 pounds. They are fully equipped to handle a freight load of any size.
Customer Service
Great customer service is a staple of the best drayage carriers. Open communication is essential in the transportation industry and will make for an optimal experience. Good drayage companies will be flexible and accommodating to your needs and deadlines. Heavy Weight prides itself on its customer service ability and can guarantee a positive experience with all clients.
GPS Tracking
Asset tracking has become a large trend in the transportation industry. Tracking your shipment from its starting point to the finish line is an excellent way to ensure that your drayage company is being transparent with you. Heavy Weight Transport outfits every cargo shipment with GPS tracking abilities that are easily accessible through their website.
How to Find Drayage Shippers
In order to find the best drayage carrier for you, there are a few steps to take. Especially if you are looking for overweight carriers or other specialized work, make sure you are thorough. Here are some tips on how to search for shippers.
Do Some Research
One of the most important steps in searching for a drayage carrier is to check online. There are plenty of ways to begin your search. Look for carriers stationed close to your needed location. Otherwise, start by looking for companies with the specialties that you need for your job. The longer a company has been operational, the more experience it will have. More experienced drayage companies are more likely to offer you consistent and reliable service. Heavy Weight Transport has been operating its drayage truck fleet and offering intermodal transport services for over twenty years.
Ask for References and Quotes
Do not narrow down to a single carrier company without asking for quotes and references. Look for other businesses who have worked with the drayage carriers. Ask questions and get an idea of how these carriers are with customer service, transparency, and other important factors.
Ask a few of your top contenders for quotes on their services, and ways in which they help keep costs down. Take the extent of their services and pricing into account so you can make your drayage costs worth the money.
Check for Insurance and Permits
Insurance is essential when considering a drayage carrier. In the event of an accident, make sure that you have the proper coverage. Look for carriers whose insurance policies cover your total value, and always check for proof of coverage.
For more specialized types of drayage, like overweight, make sure that your carrier has the proper permits. Make sure your carrier is in compliance with safety standards and is equipped with the proper tools to keep your cargo safe.
Why Heavy Weight Transport is Right for You
If you are trying to decide how to find drayage shippers for your business, stop the search and partner with Heavy Weight Transport. Their fleet of trucks and specialized services make them an ideal partner. They are stationed at some of the largest and busiest container ports in the United States: Long Beach, California; Savannah, Georgia; Houston, Texas; and Charleston, South Carolina. They also operate within New Jersey and Tennessee, two other large port states. Partner with Heavy Weight today for the best drayage service!
