A drop fee in drayage is a charge assessed by trucking companies when they drop off a loaded container at a destination and return later to pick up the empty container. This fee covers the additional time, fuel, and operational costs associated with making two separate trips to complete the delivery process. Drop fees are…
Container repositioning refers to the strategic movement of empty shipping containers from areas with a surplus to locations experiencing a deficit. This logistical process aims to balance the global distribution of containers, ensuring their availability where needed most for international trade. The container shipping industry faces an ongoing challenge of managing the flow of empty…
Why is drayage crucial for global supply chains? Drayage forms a critical link in global supply chains, connecting ports, rail yards, and distribution centers to enable the seamless flow of goods across international borders. As the first and last mile of intermodal freight transportation, drayage bridges the gap between long-distance shipping and local delivery. The…
Drayage software refers to specialized technology solutions designed to manage and optimize the short-distance transportation of containerized cargo between ports, rail terminals, and nearby logistics facilities. This software streamlines the complex processes involved in drayage operations, which play a crucial role in the intermodal freight transportation system. At its core, drayage software provides tools for…
What are flip charges in drayage? Flip charges in drayage refer to fees assessed when an intermodal container needs to be lifted and repositioned onto a chassis or flatbed truck at a port, rail terminal, or intermodal facility. This extra “flip” or lift is beyond the standard container handling included in basic drayage rates. Specifically,…
Fuel efficiency in transportation refers to the amount of energy required to move a vehicle or vessel over a given distance. It measures how effectively a mode of transport converts fuel into useful work, typically expressed as distance traveled per unit of fuel consumed. For road vehicles, this is often stated in miles per gallon…
What is a hinterland connection? A hinterland connection refers to the transportation links and infrastructure that connect a port or coastal area to its inland regions. This vital network facilitates the movement of goods and people between seaports and the interior markets they serve. Hinterland connections encompass various transportation modes, including roads, railways, inland waterways,…
Intermodal connectivity refers to the seamless integration and coordination of different transportation modes to move freight or passengers efficiently from origin to destination. This concept encompasses the physical infrastructure, operational processes, and information systems that enable smooth transfers between modes like rail, road, sea, and air transport. At its core, intermodal connectivity aims to leverage…
What is last mile delivery? Last mile delivery refers to the final stage of the supply chain process where goods are transported from a distribution center or warehouse to their ultimate destination – typically the customer’s doorstep. This crucial step bridges the gap between retailers or e-commerce businesses and their end consumers. The term “last…
Port truck turnaround time refers to the total duration a truck spends within a port facility, from its initial entry at the gate to its final exit. This critical metric encompasses all activities and processes a truck undergoes while inside the port, including waiting, loading or unloading cargo, documentation, and inspections. Turnaround time serves as…