Drayage FAQ: 50+ Common Questions About Container Transportation Answered
Container drayage involves complex logistics, regulations, and terminology that can be confusing for importers, exporters, and supply chain managers. This comprehensive FAQ addresses the most common questions about drayage operations, costs, timing, and best practices based on thousands of customer interactions.
What is Drayage? (Basic Questions)
Q: What exactly is drayage?
A: Drayage is the transportation of shipping containers over short distances, typically from ports to warehouses, distribution centers, or rail yards. The term comes from “dray,” a type of cart used for heavy loads.
Q: How is drayage different from regular trucking?
A: Drayage requires specialized chassis designed for intermodal containers, TWIC-certified drivers for port access, and compliance with specific port regulations and security requirements.
Q: What does “intermodal drayage” mean?
A: Intermodal drayage moves containers between different transportation modes – from ships to trucks, trucks to rail, or rail to trucks. It’s a critical link in the global supply chain.
Q: Who needs drayage services?
A: Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, logistics companies, manufacturers, retailers, and anyone moving containerized cargo through ports or rail terminals.
Houston Port Drayage Specifics
Q: Which Houston terminals does Sunbelt Drayage serve?
A: We serve all major Houston port terminals including Barbours Cut, Bayport, Container Yard 19, and Turning Basin Terminal, plus BNSF and UP rail facilities.
Q: What are Port of Houston operating hours?
A: Barbours Cut: Monday-Friday 6 AM-6 PM, Saturday 8 AM-4 PM. Bayport: Monday-Friday 6 AM-10 PM, Saturday 8 AM-4 PM. Hours subject to change during peak seasons.
Q: How long does it take to pick up a container at Houston port?
A: Average port time is 45-90 minutes depending on terminal, time of day, and documentation completeness. Peak times (8-11 AM, 2-4 PM) may extend to 2+ hours.
Q: What causes delays at Houston port gates?
A: Common delays include incomplete documentation, customs holds, chassis shortages, peak-hour congestion, terminal system outages, and driver TWIC card issues.
Container Types and Specifications
Q: What container sizes do you handle?
A: We handle all standard container sizes: 20ft, 40ft, 40ft high cube, 45ft, and 53ft domestic containers. Equipment is matched to specific container dimensions.
Q: Can you transport refrigerated (reefer) containers?
A: Yes, we have reefer-capable chassis and trained drivers. We monitor temperature throughout transport and provide temperature logs upon delivery.
Q: What’s the weight limit for containers?
A: Standard road limit is 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. For containers exceeding 67,500 lbs, overweight permits and specialized heavy-haul equipment are required.
Q: Do you handle hazardous materials (hazmat)?
A: Yes, our drivers are hazmat-certified and we have specialized equipment for dangerous goods transport. Additional documentation and routing requirements apply.
Q: What about oversized or open-top containers?
A: We handle oversized loads, open-top containers, and flat racks with appropriate securing equipment and permits. Route surveys may be required for extreme dimensions.
Costs and Pricing
Q: How much does drayage cost?
A: Local Houston drayage typically ranges from $350-$450 per container. Costs vary based on distance, container type, timing, and special requirements. Contact us for specific quotes.
Q: What additional fees should I expect?
A: Common additional charges include fuel surcharges (15-20%), detention fees ($75-$125/hour after free time), port access fees ($15.75), and specialized handling surcharges.
Q: What are demurrage and detention charges?
A: Demurrage is charged by terminals for containers remaining on port property beyond free time ($75/day after 5 days). Detention is charged by shipping lines for equipment held beyond free time.
Q: How can I avoid extra charges?
A: Schedule pickups within free time, ensure documentation is complete before dispatch, provide accurate delivery information, and maintain flexibility for port delays.
Q: Do you offer volume discounts?
A: Yes, we provide competitive pricing for regular customers. Volume discounts start at 50+ containers monthly, with additional savings for annual contracts and flexible timing.
Scheduling and Timing
Q: How far in advance should I schedule drayage?
A: Minimum 24 hours notice for standard service. Rush orders possible with 4-8 hours notice for additional fees. Peak seasons may require 48-72 hours advance notice.
Q: What’s the best time to avoid port delays?
A: Off-peak hours typically offer fastest service: 11 AM-2 PM and after 4 PM on weekdays. Tuesday-Thursday are generally less congested than Monday/Friday.
Q: Can you provide same-day service?
A: Yes, subject to equipment availability and port access. Same-day service carries premium pricing and depends on container readiness and documentation completion.
Q: Do you operate weekends and holidays?
A: Saturday service available with surcharges. Sunday and holiday service by special arrangement. Port terminal hours may be limited on weekends.
Q: How do weather conditions affect drayage?
A: Severe weather may cause port closures and delivery delays. We monitor conditions and communicate proactively with customers about potential impacts.
Documentation and Requirements
Q: What documents do I need for container pickup?
A: Required documents include bill of lading, delivery order, customs release (if applicable), terminal release, and payment confirmation for all charges.
Q: Who handles customs clearance?
A: Customs clearance is handled by licensed customs brokers. We coordinate with brokers but do not provide customs services directly.
Q: What happens if customs holds my container?
A: Container pickup is delayed until customs releases the cargo. We monitor status and notify customers immediately when containers become available for pickup.
Q: Do drivers need special certifications?
A: Yes, port access requires valid CDL, TWIC card, and clean background check. Hazmat endorsement needed for dangerous goods. Regular safety training is mandatory.
Tracking and Communication
Q: Can I track my container in real-time?
A: Yes, all our trucks have GPS tracking. Customers receive pickup notifications, in-transit updates, and delivery confirmations with photos and electronic proof of delivery.
Q: How do I know when my container is ready for pickup?
A: We monitor terminal systems and notify customers when containers are available. You can also check terminal websites or call our dispatch for status updates.
Q: What if my container can’t be delivered as scheduled?
A: We contact customers immediately about delivery issues. Options include rescheduling, temporary storage, or alternative delivery locations based on customer preferences.
Q: Do you provide photo documentation?
A: Yes, we provide photos of container condition at pickup and delivery, electronic proof of delivery, and damage documentation if issues are discovered.
Special Situations
Q: What if my container is damaged?
A: We inspect containers at pickup and document any pre-existing damage. Claims for cargo damage during transport are covered by our cargo insurance up to $100,000.
Q: Can you store containers temporarily?
A: Yes, we offer secure container storage at our facility for $35-$50 per day. Storage includes 24/7 security and can accommodate various container types.
Q: What about appointments at delivery locations?
A: We coordinate delivery appointments with consignees and provide 1-2 hour delivery windows. Appointment fees may apply at some facilities ($25-$75).
Q: Do you handle export containers?
A: Yes, we transport loaded export containers to port terminals and position empty containers at shipper locations for loading. All export documentation requirements are managed.
Q: What if the delivery address is wrong?
A: Address changes incur redelivery fees ($150-$250). We verify addresses before dispatch and contact customers to confirm delivery locations.
Equipment and Capacity
Q: Do you own your own equipment?
A: Yes, Sunbelt Drayage is asset-based with our own fleet of trucks and chassis. This ensures equipment availability and service reliability without dependence on third parties.
Q: What if chassis aren’t available at the port?
A: We maintain our own chassis pool to minimize shortages. During peak periods, we coordinate with chassis pools and may stage equipment in advance.
Q: How many containers can you handle per day?
A: Our fleet capacity handles 50+ container moves daily with ability to scale during peak seasons through our network of qualified partner carriers.
Q: What’s your geographic service area?
A: Primary service area covers Houston metropolitan area within 100 miles. Extended service available throughout Texas and Gulf Coast states with appropriate pricing.
Safety and Insurance
Q: What insurance coverage do you provide?
A: We carry $1M general liability, $100K cargo coverage, and comprehensive commercial auto insurance. Additional coverage available upon request.
Q: How do you ensure driver safety?
A: All drivers undergo regular safety training, vehicle inspections, drug testing, and continuous monitoring. Safety compliance exceeds DOT and port requirements.
Q: What safety measures are in place for hazmat loads?
A: Hazmat drivers are specially certified, vehicles have additional safety equipment, routes are planned to avoid restricted areas, and emergency response procedures are established.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Q: Are your trucks environmentally compliant?
A: Our fleet meets EPA emissions standards with trucks model year 2010 and newer. We’re preparing for California CARB regulations and similar environmental requirements.
Q: How do you handle regulatory changes?
A: We monitor regulatory developments and implement compliance measures proactively. Customers are notified of any changes affecting their operations or costs.
Working with Sunbelt Drayage
Q: How do I get started with your services?
A: Contact us at (832) 900-3453 for immediate service or request quotes online. We provide competitive pricing within 24 hours and can start service immediately upon agreement.
Q: Do you offer 24/7 customer service?
A: Yes, our dispatch center operates 24/7 for service requests, status updates, and emergency situations. Account managers are available during business hours for planning and optimization.
Q: Can you integrate with our supply chain systems?
A: We provide EDI connectivity, API access for tracking data, and can integrate with major TMS platforms for seamless information flow.
Q: What sets Sunbelt Drayage apart from competitors?
A: Our advantages include asset-based operations, 24/7 GPS tracking, experienced local drivers, comprehensive insurance, competitive pricing, and personalized customer service with direct access to management.
Need answers to questions not covered here? Contact Sunbelt Drayage at (832) 900-3453 for personalized assistance with your container transportation needs.