Drayage refers to the short-distance transportation of shipping containers, typically from a port or rail terminal to a nearby warehouse, distribution center, or another transport mode. Though the distance covered in drayage is usually under 200 miles, it plays a critical role in the broader supply chain by bridging the gap between long-haul transport and final delivery.
Atlanta, located at the heart of the southeastern U.S., sits within a 200-mile radius of major intermodal and port access points, making it a vital logistics hub for domestic and international freight. With its proximity to Savannah and Charleston ports, as well as key rail terminals like Norfolk Southern’s Inman Yard and CSX’s Hulsey Yard, the Atlanta area supports high-volume drayage activity that keeps cargo flowing smoothly across the region.
Atlanta Rail Terminals
CSX Hulsey Yard
Located just east of downtown Atlanta, CSX Hulsey Yard is a critical intermodal facility that links containerized freight to CSX’s national rail network. This yard is primarily used for domestic intermodal transfers but also plays a key role in short-haul drayage moves between rail and regional warehouses or distribution centers. With its urban location, Hulsey Yard offers fast access to major highways like I-20 and I-75, making it ideal for same-day container pickups and deliveries.
Norfolk Southern Inman Yard
Situated on the northwest side of the city, Norfolk Southern’s Inman Yard is one of the busiest intermodal terminals in the Southeast. It handles a high volume of containers from both domestic and international origins, especially those moving inland from Savannah or Charleston. The yard supports 24/7 operations and serves as a key point for transloading and local drayage. Inman Yard is well-connected to regional distribution centers and major industrial zones around Atlanta.
Together, these two rail yards make Atlanta a powerful inland intermodal hub, allowing cargo to move quickly between ports, rail lines, and the final mile.
Savannah – Garden City Terminal (~253 miles)
The Port of Savannah’s Garden City Terminal is the most important maritime gateway for containerized freight moving to and from Atlanta. Though it lies just beyond the 200-mile mark, it is well within the standard drayage range and serves as the primary port for many Atlanta-area shippers.
Savannah offers high-frequency container services, with hundreds of drayage moves daily flowing between the port and Atlanta. Its infrastructure supports quick container turnaround and advanced chassis availability, which helps reduce delays and extra fees. Regular drayage lanes between Garden City and Atlanta support both full truckload and transloading operations, making it an efficient route for imports, exports, and intermodal transfers.
Charleston – Leatherman Terminal (~305 miles, extended reach)
While farther than Savannah, the Port of Charleston—specifically the Hugh K. Leatherman Terminal—remains a viable option for drayage into the Atlanta area, especially when port congestion or scheduling requires flexibility. Carriers serving Charleston may offer extended-range drayage services for select types of cargo or high-priority loads.
Though Charleston is roughly 50 miles beyond the typical 200-mile drayage boundary, it’s used when availability, cost, or routing efficiency makes it worthwhile. However, it’s important to factor in the additional distance and potential accessorial fees, such as higher fuel surcharges and chassis split charges, when considering this option.
Drayage Service Types
Drayage is not a one-size-fits-all operation. The type of service needed depends on the cargo, route, urgency, and handling requirements. Within the 200-mile zone of Atlanta, drayage providers offer a range of service types to meet different shipping scenarios. Here's a breakdown of the most common drayage services available in the region:
Standard Drayage
Standard drayage involves the movement of full containers from a port or rail terminal to a nearby warehouse, distribution center, or another transport facility. This is the most common type of drayage and is typically used for general freight without special handling requirements.
One of the key distinctions in standard drayage is roundtrip vs. one-way service. In a roundtrip move, the trucker delivers a loaded container and returns the empty to the port or rail terminal. One-way drayage, on the other hand, may involve dropping the loaded container and leaving it for unloading at the customer’s site, often requiring a chassis to remain in place temporarily. Each option has cost implications, especially when chassis usage or detention fees apply.
Specialized Drayage
Some types of cargo require extra attention, equipment, or certifications. Specialized drayage services are designed to handle these loads safely and in compliance with regulations.
- Hazardous cargo: Containers carrying chemicals, flammable materials, or other regulated substances must be moved by certified carriers who understand hazmat safety protocols and routing restrictions.
- Refrigerated containers (reefers): These containers need temperature control throughout transit. Drayage providers must ensure that reefers are powered and monitored during transport, which may require special chassis with generator sets or refrigerated trailer hookups.
- Oversized and flat-rack freight: Heavy machinery, vehicles, and other large cargo that exceeds standard dimensions require flat-rack containers or special permits. These moves often involve escorts or alternate routes and must be coordinated with local regulations.
Specialized drayage typically comes with higher rates due to the added risks, equipment, and planning required.
Expedited and Shuttle Services
For urgent or time-sensitive shipments, expedited drayage offers fast turnaround, including same-day or next-day container delivery. This service is commonly used for high-value goods, just-in-time inventory, or time-critical project cargo.
Shuttle drayage involves moving containers short distances between terminals, yards, or temporary holding areas. This is especially useful when a container must be relocated to avoid demurrage, pre-staged for loading/unloading, or temporarily stored off-site before final delivery. In Atlanta, shuttle moves are often used between rail terminals and nearby transload or warehousing facilities.
Intermodal & Transloading
Many shippers use intermodal drayage as part of a broader transport strategy. This involves moving containers between different modes of transportation—such as rail, truck, and ocean—without unloading the cargo. Atlanta’s strong rail connectivity and access to major ports make it a key intermodal gateway.
Transloading, on the other hand, involves physically transferring cargo from one container or trailer to another. This is often done at warehouse hubs or cross-docking facilities. It’s useful when switching from an ocean container to a domestic truckload trailer, consolidating multiple shipments, or complying with weight limits. Transloading can help reduce costs, speed up final delivery, and improve cargo flexibility.
Cost Structure and Key Pricing Factors
Understanding how drayage costs are calculated is essential for managing transportation budgets and avoiding unexpected fees. Drayage pricing involves more than just mileage—it includes a range of variable charges and service-related add-ons that can significantly affect the total cost. Here's a detailed look at the key components of drayage costs within 200 miles of Atlanta and how businesses can optimize them.
Mileage and Linehaul Rates
The core component of any drayage quote is the linehaul rate, which is based on the distance between pickup and delivery points. Short hauls—such as local moves from an Atlanta rail ramp to a warehouse—are typically priced under $150 per move. Medium-range moves (around 50–100 miles) can range from $300 to $600, depending on the carrier, congestion, and service level.
Longer runs, like those from Savannah's Garden City Terminal (~253 miles), generally cost between $1,000 and $1,400 per 40-foot container, depending on fuel costs, container size, and accessorial needs. Moves from Charleston’s Leatherman Terminal (~305 miles) can be even higher, often ranging from $1,600 to $2,200, due to the additional mileage and extended driver time.
While mileage is a big driver of cost, it’s rarely the only factor involved in final pricing.
Accessorial Charges
Accessorial fees are additional charges that are applied based on specific services or logistics circumstances. These can add hundreds of dollars to a single drayage move if not planned for in advance.
- Chassis usage: Most drayage providers charge $35 to $45 per day for chassis rental. If the container stays on the chassis for multiple days at the receiver's site, fees can quickly stack up. A chassis split fee—typically $75 to $150—may apply if the chassis must be picked up from a separate location.
- Pre-pull fees: If the container is pulled out of the terminal early and stored overnight to avoid demurrage charges, a pre-pull fee of $100 to $150 is common. This service is often cheaper than paying port penalties for delayed pickup.
- Storage fees: If a container is held at the carrier’s yard or warehouse for more than a day, expect to pay daily storage fees, typically ranging from $25 to $75 per day, depending on the facility.
- Fuel surcharges: These fluctuate based on diesel prices and are commonly calculated as a percentage of the total linehaul cost—often 30% to 37%.
- Detention and demurrage: If loading or unloading exceeds the allowed free time (usually 1–2 hours), detention fees of $75 to $100 per hour may apply. Demurrage, charged by the port or rail terminal, can cost $150 to $300+ per day for containers not removed within the free window.
How to Optimize Costs
There are several ways to reduce drayage expenses without compromising service quality. The key is proactive planning and working with the right partners.
- Consolidated freight strategies: When possible, combine shipments or coordinate multiple pickups and drop-offs to reduce the number of individual drayage moves. This is especially effective for high-volume importers or exporters.
- Timing pre-pulls strategically: Pre-pulls are a smart tool to avoid demurrage, but timing matters. Monitor container availability and free time windows closely. Pulling containers early and storing them briefly can cost far less than racking up daily penalties at the port or rail yard.
- Partner with experienced local carriers: Carriers familiar with the Atlanta–Savannah–Charleston lanes can often negotiate better access to chassis, schedule more efficient pickups, and avoid costly delays. They’re also more likely to be transparent about accessorials and help you plan around them.
Leading Drayage Providers Serving Atlanta
Choosing the right drayage provider is crucial for ensuring smooth, timely, and cost-effective container moves within the Atlanta region. Several specialized companies operate in and around Atlanta, each offering distinct strengths and tailored services. Here’s an overview of some of the leading drayage providers serving the area:
ITG Transportation
ITG Transportation is a well-established carrier known for handling complex drayage needs, particularly for hazardous materials (hazmat), refrigerated containers (reefers), and high-volume lanes. Their expertise in managing sensitive and specialized cargo makes them a preferred choice for shippers with compliance-heavy or temperature-controlled freight. ITG’s strong regional presence ensures reliable service between major ports and Atlanta-area distribution centers, supported by a fleet equipped for various container types and sizes.
NXTPoint Logistics
NXTPoint Logistics operates as a full-service third-party logistics provider (3PL), offering a broad range of services beyond traditional drayage. Their portfolio includes expedited drayage, shuttle services, and pier drayage, meaning they can handle urgent shipments and short-haul transfers with speed and flexibility. NXTPoint also integrates freight forwarding and multimodal solutions, making them a one-stop-shop for shippers seeking to streamline their supply chains across the Southeast.
OLIMP Warehousing
OLIMP Warehousing stands out by combining warehousing, transloading, and drayage services into a cohesive logistics solution. Located near Atlanta’s key transport hubs, OLIMP allows shippers to efficiently cross-dock cargo, consolidate shipments, and quickly move containers from port or rail terminals to their final destinations. This integrated approach reduces handling times and costs, especially for businesses requiring just-in-time inventory management and flexible storage options.
Other Regional Carriers
In addition to the larger players, a network of small to midsize regional carriers operates in the Atlanta metro and surrounding areas. These providers often offer flexible coverage, personalized service, and competitive pricing for local or niche drayage routes. They can be particularly effective for shippers needing customized solutions or handling less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments.
To find reliable local drayage partners, businesses can leverage industry directories, logistics brokers, and freight marketplaces. Vetting providers through references, safety ratings, and service reviews helps ensure quality and dependability. Partnering with the right regional carrier can improve turnaround times, reduce costs, and provide the agility necessary in today’s fast-paced supply chain environment.
Conclusion
Efficient drayage within 200 miles of Atlanta is a cornerstone of successful supply chain management in the Southeast. Strategic routing—choosing the right ports, rail terminals, and delivery points—combined with selecting the appropriate drayage service type can significantly impact both transit times and overall costs. Whether dealing with standard container moves, specialized freight like reefers or hazardous materials, or expedited deliveries, making informed decisions upfront helps avoid costly delays and accessorial fees.
Careful cost planning is equally vital. Understanding the full pricing structure, including mileage rates, chassis fees, fuel surcharges, and detention risks, allows shippers to budget accurately and identify opportunities for savings. Partnering with experienced, reliable drayage providers who understand the local market nuances ensures smooth operations and minimizes unexpected issues.
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