Global CFS If you’ve spent any time around ports, rail ramps, or container yards, you know that drayage—short-haul freight movement—is where a lot of logistics stress begins. At Global CFS, we see these challenges every day. And more importantly, we know how to solve them.
Drayage operations are full of moving parts, from chassis shortages to appointment delays. But with the right strategy, coordination, and communication, you can turn a cost center into a competitive advantage.
Why Drayage Is So Challenging Right Now
Let’s break it down. Drayage issues usually come from:
- Port congestion and terminal delays
Driver wait fees and missed cutoffs go up when dwell times rise. - Chassis and equipment shortages
A lack of available chassis means containers can sit, even when drivers are ready. - Inefficient appointment systems
Poor slot availability at terminals = missed windows and rescheduled pickups. - Street dwell penalties and demurrage charges
If you don’t clear or return containers quickly, you’re paying for it.
How to Improve Drayage Operations
Here’s what smart logistics teams—and their drayage partners—are doing to stay ahead:
1. Pre-pull when possible
- Get containers out of the terminal early to avoid dwell penalties
- Stage freight at secure yards like Global CFS for added flexibility
2. Work with a partner who understands the local landscape
- Relationships with terminals, rail yards, and gate operators matter
- Local knowledge = faster problem-solving
3. Use visibility tools to monitor container status
- Knowing when a box is ready for pickup helps to time the dispatches efficiently
- Fewer surprises = fewer fees
4. Prioritize flexible capacity
- Match driver availability to port volumes
- Scale up when volumes spike, especially during peak season
“At Global CFS, we specialize in solving drayage headaches before they start. From pre-pulling containers to staging freight for later release, we help clients reduce wait times, avoid demurrage, and stay agile—even during port slowdowns,” says Steve Panzarella, President, Global CFS
How Global CFS Makes Drayage Work Better
Our team brings hands-on coordination, local expertise, and flexible container staging to keep your short-haul freight on time and on budget. Whether you need a single container pulled today or a multi-box project handled this week, we’ve got the space, systems, and drivers to make it happen.
If drayage is a daily challenge for your business, let’s talk. Global CFS helps you move smarter, not just faster—and we’ll help you stay one step ahead of every port and pickup.
