Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

The key to a smoother supply chain

DRAYAGE SERVICES THAT KEEP YOU MOVING

Your cargo is only as good as the network that gets it from point A to point B. Drayage is basically the unsung hero of logistics - it moves containers from the port or rail ramp to their next destination, and when it goes right, you stop thinking about it entirely. That's where Long Road Warehouse comes in — a drayage carrier that keeps your freight moving like clockwork.

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  • 15+ Years Experience
  • 10+ Ports Served
  • 24/7 Operations
  • 100% Insured

FROM PORT TO WAREHOUSE: PORT DRAYAGE DONE RIGHT

With all the moving parts involved in drayage, it's easy to see how things can go wrong. But at Long Road Warehouse, we know how to get it done on time and on budget. We arrange container moves between the ports, the rail ramps, warehouses and distribution centers — so your freight goes from ship to shelf without a gap between vendors.

There are several types of drayage, such as pier drayage, expedited drayage, shuttle drayage, and inter-carrier drayage, each tailored to specific logistics needs and cargo requirements.

Efficient management of shipping hubs is crucial to prevent delays and ensure smooth cargo movement throughout the supply chain.

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OUR APPROACH IS BUILT AROUND:

  • SOURCING RELIABLE CAPACITY FROM TRUSTED CARRIERS

    We work with vetted, dependable carriers to ensure your freight is handled with care and delivered on schedule.

  • TIGHT SCHEDULING AROUND PORT CUTOFFS AND DEADLINES

    We understand port timing is critical, so we coordinate every move to meet cutoff times and avoid demurrage.

  • PROACTIVELY MANAGING ANY EXTRA FEES OR EXPENSES THAT MIGHT COME UP

    Unexpected costs are managed transparently—we stay ahead of issues so your budget stays predictable.

  • KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP WITH REGULAR UPDATES AND MILESTONE TRACKING

    Real-time visibility means you always know where your freight is and when it will arrive.

HOW WE KEEP YOUR FREIGHT MOVING SMOOTHLY

So what sets us apart? Ocean, rail and over-the-road moves run as one operation instead of three handoffs. At Long Road Warehouse, we simplify drayage by:

DRAYAGE OPERATIONS AND CARRIERS:
THE BACKBONE OF YOUR FREIGHT

Behind every smooth supply chain is a network of drayage operations and carriers working tirelessly to keep your freight moving. Professional carriers bring the expertise, experience, and equipment needed to handle containers—whether it's from the pier to a nearby distribution center, or between rail terminals and local warehouses. A drayage carrier handles a variety of moves: pier drayage for port pickups, rail drayage from the intermodal ramps, and intra-carrier drayage between terminals — so your containerized freight gets where it needs to go, efficiently and on time.

With one drayage carrier managing every step — the pull, the chassis, the yard and the dock door — you get freight that keeps moving and a clock that stays on your side. That is the difference between hiring a truck and hiring the operation behind it.

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Ecommerce order fulfillment for online stores

TRANSLOADING AND SAFETY, DONE RIGHT

Ecommerce order fulfillment for online stores

Transloading your freight can be a major pain - that's why we only work with secure and reliable facilities near key ports and rail hubs. Containers are unloaded, staged and reloaded according to strict safety and regulatory compliance during all movements.

Our team handles container pickup at the port and the safe transfer to the next mode of transport, coordinating your logistics from start to finish. We've got special handling for:

  • Oversized or heavy cargo
  • Fragile or high-value goods
  • Different types of freight, with the ability to transport freight securely and efficiently
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FULL VISIBILITY - NO SURPRISES HERE

Drayage works best when you can see exactly where your freight is at any given time. That's why we provide shipment status updates, tracking, and complete visibility every step of the way. No guesswork. Just clear information.

This kind of transparency helps reduce surprise expenses, keeps you informed and on budget.

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Ecommerce order fulfillment for online stores

DRAYAGE COSTS AND PRICING:
TRANSPARENT AND COMPETITIVE

Ecommerce order fulfillment for online stores

Managing your shipping budget starts with understanding drayage costs. Pricing for drayage services can vary based on distance, cargo type, and time-sensitive needs. For example, port drayage services tend to include additional charges for container handling, storage, and any surcharges, while intermodal drayage may include fees for rail and equipment rentals. The right drayage companies offer clear, upfront pricing so you can plan with confidence—no hidden surprises. By choosing professional carriers, you can compare drayage costs in check, negotiate better terms, and ensure your supply chain stays both efficient and cost-effective.

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CONTAINER MANAGEMENT FOR
MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY

Efficient drayage starts with smart container management. This means optimizing container flow, reducing unnecessary container moves, and keeping handling costs to a minimum. We use strategic timing, careful planning, and best practices like pooling and intra carrier drayage — moving containers within the same carrier's network — to tighten operations and cut down on transit times and expenses. With effective container management, you gain better visibility across your supply chain, lower your costs, and ensure your goods keep moving toward their destination smoothly and on time.

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Ecommerce order fulfillment for online stores

DRAYAGE OPTIONS BUILT AROUND YOUR NEEDS

Every shipment is different - that's why we support multiple drayage service types, including short haul container moves between local facilities.

  • Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

    PORT DRAYAGE

    Getting containers from the port to nearby warehouses or rail hubs

  • Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

    RAIL DRAYAGE

    Transferring containers between rail terminals and distribution points

  • Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

    EXPEDITED DRAYAGE

    Time-critical moves with tight delivery windows and priority handling

  • Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

    SHUTTLE DRAYAGE

    Temporary container storage when terminals are congested or unavailable

  • Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

    DOOR-TO-DOOR DRAYAGE

    Direct delivery from port or rail to final destination without intermediate stops

  • Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

    YARD DRAYAGE

    Short-haul container moves between terminals, yards, and nearby facilities

WE'RE BUILT FOR IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND
CONTAINERIZED FREIGHT

At Long Road Warehouse, we can handle just about any kind of drayage need you throw our way—including:

Drayage makes it much simpler to get cargo moving between ports, rail yards and warehouses - whatever you're shipping, & whether it's a one-off or a regular job - this keeps your whole supply chain running smoothly with fewer surprises. We also take care of getting empty containers back from our warehouses to the ports or rail yards - this really helps us ensure we're using our space most efficiently & keeping our operations ticking over normally. GET EXPERT ADVICE

INDUSTRIES SERVED BY DRAYAGE:
SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY SECTOR

No matter your industry, drayage plays a crucial role in getting your goods where they need to go. From retail and manufacturing to agriculture and construction, each sector has unique shipping needs. Retail benefits from expedited drayage for time-sensitive deliveries, shuttle drayage to manage excess containers during peak times, and intermodal shipping solutions that connect multiple transportation modes for maximum flexibility. By understanding the specific needs of each industry, drayage providers deliver tailored solutions that keep your supply chain running smoothly and your customers satisfied.

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Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

MORE THAN JUST DRAYAGE - WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED

Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

Transportation hubs — such as intermodal terminals, rail yards, and ocean ports—are critical connection points reducing congestion across the supply chain. Drayage services connect intermodal containers between these hubs, enabling smooth intermodal shipments and reliable intermodal transport. When drayage is closely integrated with these transportation hubs and how they interact is crucial for keeping the overall supply chain efficient. Industry standards set by the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) help define best practices, but real efficiency comes from execution at the ground—tight scheduling, local terminal knowledge, and hands on coordination at the port and warehouse level.

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SUSTAINABLE DRAYAGE PRACTICES FOR A
GREENER TOMORROW

Modern logistics isn't just about speed and efficiency—it's also about sustainability. Drayage companies are leading the way by adopting greener practices, such as using fuel-efficient trucks, electric vehicles, and even solar powered containers. Tighter routing and moving long miles by rail instead of truck cut fuel burn and lower the overall carbon footprint. By integrating sustainable drayage solutions, your business can reduce its environmental impact, enhance its brand reputation, and help build a cleaner, greener future for the entire supply chain.

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SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS

Building a greener future through efficient, eco-friendly drayage solutions

DEDICATED SUPPORT AND PREDICTABLE RESULTS

Drayage works best when you have a team that truly stays on top of it. At Long Road Warehouse, we deliver hands-on coordination, proactive communication, and consistent execution across every move. Our team actively monitors port and rail conditions, aligns closely with terminals and carriers, and plans each transfer with precision to keep freight flowing smoothly.

We don't just move containers—we manage risk. From minimizing demurrage and detention to anticipating congestion and capacity constraints, we stay ahead of problems before they impact your timeline or costs. With clear updates, accountable execution, and a solutions-first mindset, we help you avoid last-minute surprises and keep your supply chain predictable, efficient, and under control.

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Container drayage from the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma

READY TO MOVE YOUR CONTAINERS FASTER?

Partner with Long Road Warehouse for reliable, efficient drayage services that keep your supply chain moving. Let's talk about how we can support your freight needs.

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  • 10+ PORTS SERVED
  • 500+ MOVES PER MONTH
  • 98% ON-TIME DELIVERY
  • 24/7 DISPATCH SUPPORT

Drayage — common questions

What is drayage?

Drayage is the short-haul truck move that takes an ocean or rail container from the port or ramp to a nearby warehouse or yard, and the empty back. It is the first inland leg of an import, and timing it right is what keeps demurrage and per-diem off your invoice.

How much does drayage cost?

Drayage is priced by the lane from terminal to delivery, plus chassis per day, a fuel surcharge, and any accessorials like prepull, waiting time or yard storage. Shorter lanes cost less, which is why our Kent dock, minutes from both ports, keeps the base move low. Send your terminal and delivery point and we will quote the real number.

How do you avoid demurrage and per-diem?

By tracking the last free day on every container and booking the terminal appointment early, so the box is pulled before demurrage starts and the empty is returned before per-diem builds. When a terminal is tight, we prepull to our yard to stop the clock.

Do you handle drayage from both the Seattle and Tacoma ports?

Yes. Our Kent, WA location sits between the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma, so both are short lanes, plus the local rail ramps. That is what makes same-day pulls and quick empty returns possible.