When you see shipping containers being transported in trucks along the road, these are drayage trucks. In simple terms, a drayage truck driver is someone who drives a truck that carries shipping containers. But there is much more to it than that. Freight transport involves the shipment of goods over a short distance by land transport.
Transportation loads are common in intermodal transport, such as moving large containers from a ship to a railroad for delivery. Drayage trucks are large semi-trailers that are used to transport goods from one place to another and are generally heavy trucks powered by diesel. Drayage trucks transport containers and bulk cargo between port and intermodal railway facilities, distribution centers and other locations. Without drayage trucks, goods would stay in ports, railway shipments would remain on trains, and the entire freight transport system would be shut down.
While current methods use modern transportation and containment equipment, transportation actually predates the current industrial era and originated with older types of containers. Most shipping containers are 6 to 8 feet tall and come in lengths of 10, 20, or 40 feet, depending on what you're shipping. Transportation plays a critical role in moving containers from intermodal centers, such as shipping ports, ports, railway terminals, truck terminals, and in and out of warehouses. It also creates opportunities for owners, operators and carriers who want to enter the transportation business.
Intermodal transport refers to the transportation of cargo by truck, sea, or rail, rather than a single mode of transport. Today, with promises of 24-hour shipping services, the transportation industry urgently needs drayage truck drivers. Transport is a term used by the maritime transport and logistics industry, usually the process of transporting goods over short distances. The only way in which transport loads move from ports or intermodal terminals to the next mode of transport is by drayage trucks.
You'll find different definitions, but transportation is often described as the first mile of transportation. Once the cargo arrives at the port, drayage truckers pick up the containers to take them to their next destination. There are several different types of transport services, but the common link between them all is that goods are transported over a short distance. The thing about hauling work is that you'll be moving the containers from point A to point B locally. Drayage truck drivers play an essential role in keeping freight moving efficiently and safely across short distances.
They are responsible for loading and unloading cargo from ships or other vessels onto their trucks and then transporting it to its destination. They must be knowledgeable about local roads and regulations as well as safety protocols for handling cargo. Drayage truck drivers must also be familiar with loading and unloading procedures for different types of cargo. They must be able to safely secure cargo on their trucks using straps or chains so that it does not shift during transit. They must also be able to inspect their vehicles before each trip to ensure that they are in good working order.