In plain English
It is the first or last leg of an ocean or rail journey. A drayage driver collects the container at the terminal and delivers it to the consignee, then returns the empty container. The legs are usually under 100 miles.
At trade shows the same word is used differently: “drayage” often means material handling, the service of moving exhibit freight from the dock to the booth.
Why it matters when you ship
Drayage is often a separate charge from the ocean or rail freight, and port fees, chassis rental and waiting time can add to it. Ask what the quote includes.
Example
A container arrives at the Port of Savannah. A drayage truck takes it 20 miles to the importer’s warehouse and returns the empty container to the port.
Related terms
Learn more
Drayage: common questions
What does drayage mean at a trade show?
Exhibition organizers use it for material handling: moving your freight from the receiving dock to your booth and back after the show, typically charged by weight.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “Drayage in Shipping: Meaning and How It Works”, https://transportli.com/glossary/drayage/, updated November 11, 2026.
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