Drayage refers to the transportation of freight over short distances, typically within 50 miles, from an ocean port to the first inland destination. While drayage plays a crucial role in the supply chain, there are several challenges that the industry faces. Here are some common drayage issues:
Lack of Equipment Availability: One of the biggest headaches in drayage is the lack of equipment availability or issues with the existing equipment. This can include a shortage of containers or chassis, which are essential for transporting goods [1].
Shipment Visibility: Access to real-time data and status updates is crucial for successful drayage operations. Without visibility into the location of containers on drayage trucks, shippers may face difficulties in planning inventory, optimizing warehouse teams, and ensuring timely deliveries. This issue becomes even more critical during peak shipping volumes [2].
Customs Clearance: Moving goods across borders involves complex paperwork processes, and any mistakes or delays in customs clearance can prevent shipments from reaching their final destination. Inconsistent documentation requirements in different countries can further complicate the process [2].
Reshuffling Delays: Containers often need to be reshuffled or shifted at ports of destination due to limited space. This reshuffling process can cause delays and impact the efficiency of drayage operations [2].
Carrier Capacity: Capacity constraints in the transportation industry affect container shipments as well. If a container is not picked up on time, it can lead to detention costs and contribute to the global container shortage, which in turn affects prices worldwide. Ensuring sufficient carrier capacity is crucial for smooth drayage operations [2].
Shortage of Drivers: The shortage of drayage drivers has been an ongoing issue, with the number of supply chain truck drivers decreasing over the years. This shortage is expected to persist and may require changes in how drivers are treated and other aspects of the drayage system to attract and retain drivers
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