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Top Challenges in Drayage Operations & How Companies Can Overcome Them

December 2, 2025

Drayage plays a crucial role in the global supply chain, acting as the link between ports, rail terminals, and warehouses. Although drayage moves are typically short distance, they involve complex coordination, strict timing, and operational dependencies. As global trade continues to expand, drayage companies face growing pressure to deliver faster, more efficiently, and at lower costs. However, the drayage industry has its own set of unique challenges. From port congestion to equipment shortages, these obstacles can significantly delay shipment and increase freight costs. In this blog, we explore the top challenges in drayage operations and how logistics companies can overcome them.

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1. Port Congestion and Delays

One of the most common drayage challenges is port congestion. When too many containers arrive at a port with limited space, labor, or equipment, operations get delayed. Ships wait longer to unload, and drayage trucks spend hours waiting for containers—a situation often called turn-time delays.

Why It Happens

  • High seasonal or holiday demand

  • Labor shortages

  • Slow custom clearances

  • Vessel schedule disruptions

  • Global supply chain instability

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Use real-time scheduling systems to plan pickup time windows.

  • Partner with terminals that offer appointment-based systems.

  • Communicate ETA updates proactively with customers.

  • Build relationships with multiple ports or terminals for operational flexibility.

2. Chassis Shortages

A chassis is essential for moving containers—but shortages are common, especially at busy ports. When chassis aren’t available, trucks are forced to wait, sometimes for hours, costing time and money.

Why It Happens

  • Limited supply due to ownership issues

  • High import volume

  • Poor equipment repositioning

  • Congested yards

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Maintain private or leased chassis pools instead of relying on terminals.

  • Use digital chassis tracking tools to monitor availability.

  • Develop relationships with multiple chassis providers.

  • Optimize scheduling to avoid peak congestion hours.

3. Increasing Fuel Costs

Fuel prices fluctuate frequently, and drayage operations are highly sensitive to these changes. A sudden rise in diesel prices can significantly impact profit margins—especially for short-haul trips with tight margins.

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Implement fuel-efficient routing and avoid unnecessary mileage.

  • Use telematics systems to track idling and driver behavior.

  • Adopt hybrid or electric drayage trucks where possible for long-term savings.

  • Adjust pricing models to include fuel surcharge mechanisms for customers.

4. Labor Shortages & Driver Retention

The trucking industry faces a nationwide shortage of qualified drivers. Drayage work is particularly demanding because of long wait times, port queues, and strict delivery deadlines.

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Offer competitive pay and retention bonuses.

  • Improve scheduling to reduce unnecessary driver wait times.

  • Provide proper training in port operations and equipment handling.

  • Use technology to provide clear driver routes, instructions, and communication.

A satisfied and well-trained driver is more productive and less likely to leave.

5. Regulatory Compliance & Constant Changes

Drayage companies must comply with numerous regulations including:

  • FMCSA rules

  • Clean Truck Programs

  • Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations

  • Local port authority rules

Regulations around emissions, equipment requirements, and driver hours frequently change—and failing to comply can result in fines or downtime.

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Use compliance tracking tools to ensure drivers stay within legal limits.

  • Stay updated with port authority announcements and environmental regulations.

  • Invest in cleaner, compliant equipment to avoid port restrictions.

  • Conduct routine compliance audits.

6. Container Availability & Imbalances

Sometimes containers are available but at the wrong location. Other times, there are not enough empty containers for exports. These imbalances can drastically disrupt drayage planning.

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Integrate real-time container visibility platforms.

  • Coordinate with ocean carriers for early availability notifications.

  • Implement container repositioning strategies to balance depots.

  • Offer incentives to customers for early returns of empty containers.

7. Lack of Real-Time Visibility

Many drayage operations still rely on manual check-ins, outdated dispatch systems, and limited tracking. This lack of visibility leads to:

  • Missed driver appointments

  • Inaccurate ETAs

  • Poor communication with customers

  • Scheduling conflicts

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Adopt GPS-based drayage tracking.

  • Use dynamic dispatch systems that show live driver updates.

  • Automate notifications for container pickup, gate-in, and gate-out.

  • Integrate your TMS with port/terminal visibility tools.

Real-time visibility builds trust and reduces customer complaints.

8. Rising Detention & Demurrage Costs

Delays at the port can cause importers to face significant detention (late container return) and demurrage (port storage) charges. These costs surge quickly and affect the entire supply chain.

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Plan drayage moves based on free time limits.

  • Monitor terminal dwell time in real-time.

  • Prioritize containers nearing their demurrage deadlines.

  • Improve communication between customers, warehouses, and carriers.

Proactive planning can save companies thousands of dollars.

9. Inefficient Yard & Warehouse Coordination

Even if a truck arrives at the port on time, the delivery can still be delayed due to:

  • Crowded docks

  • Limited warehouse space

  • Slow unloading

  • Mismanaged yard operations

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Use yard management systems (YMS).

  • Pre-schedule loading/unloading slots.

  • Improve warehouse staffing during peak times.

  • Use cross-docking when possible to minimize delays.

10. Technology Gaps in the Drayage Industry

While technology has transformed most logistics sectors, drayage still struggles with:

  • Manual paperwork

  • Outdated dispatching systems

  • Lack of automation

  • Fragmented communication channels

How Companies Can Overcome It

  • Invest in automated dispatching solutions.

  • Use cloud-based drayage management software.

  • Equip drivers with mobile apps for real-time updates.

  • Digitize documentation such as PODs and bills of lading.

Companies that embrace technology outperform competitors in efficiency and cost savings.

Conclusion

Drayage is a vital component of the transportation and logistics industry, but it comes with major operational challenges. From port congestion and chassis shortages to compliance issues and rising costs, these obstacles can significantly impact supply chain performance.

However, companies that adopt technology, improve driver management, and prioritize port and warehouse coordination can overcome these challenges and run highly efficient drayage operations.

By investing in visibility tools, optimizing routes, and building strong relationships with ports and providers, drayage carriers can reduce delays, save costs, and deliver a better customer experience.