Trucking Companies Servicing the Port of Virginia – Century Express Virginia

Moving Overnight Freight

Trucking Companies Servicing the Port of Virginia – Century Express Virginia

Truck Driving on Highway by Port of Virginia

Century Express Virginia has years of experience servicing the Port of Virginia, supported by a strong network that allows us to move cargo quickly and efficiently. Our priority is on-time delivery, customer satisfaction, and maintaining a proven safety record. We handle your cargo with the same care as if it were our own.

What sets us apart is our expertise in cargo management and creating efficient logistics strategies tailored to each of our clients. Whether you run a small business or a larger operation, we provide customized shipping solutions that are designed to scale with your company. Our flexible approach ensures that your supply chain runs smoothly today and continues to meet your growing needs.

An Overview of Our Services

At Century Express Virginia, we offer a full range of logistics solutions that integrate seamlessly into your supply chain. If you don’t see the service you need, our team can work with you to create a plan that fits. With state-of-the-art equipment and our innovative approaches, we’re prepared to handle everything from refrigerated transport to expedited deliveries.

Century Express Virginia shipping services include:

Port Drayage

Known as the core of the supply chain, port drayage is the transportation of cargo from the Port of Virginia to its next destination. Whether that happens to be temporary yard or warehouse storage or immediate transfer to land or rail cargo vessels to continue its journey to its final destination, Century Express Virginia guarantees careful transport, along with compliance with all port regulations.

Our highly reliable team has worked with the Port of Virginia since 2007, which means we know how to quickly and efficiently transport your cargo to its next waypoint.

Our port drayage services are designed to accommodate a wide variety of freight types and sizes, giving your business confidence that all shipments, standard or specialized, are handled safely and efficiently. With Century Express Virginia, your cargo reaches its next waypoint on time and is ready for the next stage of the supply chain.

Dedicated Fleet Services

Century Express Virginia offers consistent and reliable transportation options that are customized to meet your business’s unique operational needs via our dedicated fleet services. We offer all of our clients flexible solutions that are adaptable to the needs of your business as it scales up or down, ensuring efficiency without ever compromising dependability.

Our fleet is also equipped to handle specialized needs, including overweight freight, giving you the confidence that even challenging loads will be transported safely and in compliance with regulations. Our tailored approach helps reduce costs, minimize downtime, and maximize performance.

Intermodal Transportation

The transloading services at Century Express Virginia provide smooth, reliable transfers of freight between containers, trailers, or modes of transport. This service is especially valuable for shipments that arrive in one type of container but then need to be reconfigured for rail, truck, or warehouse storage. By leveraging our extensive network and industry expertise, we make the transfer process efficient, cost-effective, and fully compliant with all safety standards.

Transloading allows our clients to maximize container use, reduce shipping costs, and keep supply chains moving forward without delay. Whether you need to shift cargo from international containers into domestic trailers or transfer oversized or overweight freight into specialized equipment, Century Express Virginia ensures your cargo is always handled with care.

Our focus remains on efficiency, flexibility, and performance. This gives your business confidence knowing that every load is delivered on time and on budget.

Additional Logistics Services

We also offer an array of additional logistics services designed to address the diverse needs of our clients. We know that every supply chain has its own unique needs, which is why we offer services that offer the extra flexibility our customers demand. One of the reasons why we are a popular shipping and logistics solution for the Port of Virginia is that we work with our clients on a one-on-one basis.

From expedited freight for urgent deliveries to the use of specialized equipment that can handle oversize or sensitive cargo, our solutions extend far beyond standard shipping solutions. We deliver all of this specialization while maintaining the same reliability that Century Express Virginia is known for.

Why Choose Century Express Virginia?

Century Express Virginia is the first choice for many because of our customized logistics solutions. We help businesses streamline and enhance supply chains, reducing stress and freeing up teams to focus on growth rather than day-to-day logistics challenges. Our experts handle every detail, from planning and scheduling to the safe handling and transport of your cargo.

Every member of our team, from reception and customer service staff to drivers and logistics coordinators, is carefully selected and thoroughly trained to uphold our high standards of professionalism, reliability, and safety. This kind of attention to detail ensures that every shipment is managed efficiently and delivered on time. This helps your business maintain more of that competitive edge.

With Century Express Virginia, you gain a partner committed to your success and dedicated to keeping your supply chain running seamlessly.

Customers praise our:

Experience in Port of Virginia operations
Modern, well-maintained fleet
Professional and trained drivers
Commitment to safety and on-time delivery

See How Century Express Virginia Delivers Reliable Logistics Solutions

If you are ready to enhance your supply chain, call or request a quote online from Century Express Virginia. Our door is always open to new customers who are looking to improve their logistics. Do you have questions about whether we are the right company for you? View our full service offerings to see just how many unique solutions we offer.

AI in Trucking

7 Proven Strategies to Stay Profitable in Trucking

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer futuristic; it’s already here, and it’s changing how the trucking industry operates. From improving safety to streamlining operations, AI has the potential to transform freight movement. At Century Express Virginia, we’ve built our reputation on innovation paired with reliability, and AI is one of the biggest shifts our industry has seen.

How AI is Already Changing Trucking

Smarter Routes: Unlike static maps, AI-powered route optimization uses real-time weather, traffic, and delivery deadlines to keep freight moving efficiently. Fewer delays, better fuel economy, and improved driver morale are the results. Beyond just avoiding delays, AI algorithms can identify optimal routes based on factors like fuel costs, road conditions (including construction zones), and even predict potential bottlenecks based on historical data. This means a more proactive and adaptive approach to route planning.
Predictive Maintenance: AI-enabled systems can monitor sensor data to flag potential issues before breakdowns occur. That means less downtime and longer fleet lifespans. These systems go beyond simple diagnostics, analyzing patterns to identify subtle indicators that might be missed by routine inspections. For instance, analyzing vibration patterns in the engine can predict wear on specific components, allowing for preemptive repairs and preventing costly breakdowns on the road.
Capacity Planning: AI tools help balance networks and anticipate seasonal demand. By analyzing historical data and current market trends, AI can predict fluctuations in demand with greater accuracy, allowing for better allocation of resources, optimized pricing strategies, and minimized empty miles.

Each of these advances means lower costs, fewer service failures, and better outcomes for shippers and carriers alike.

Automation: Helpful, Not Replacing Drivers

There’s plenty of hype around self-driving trucks, but today’s reality is different. Features like automated braking, lane monitoring, and fatigue detection already make roads safer. At Century Express Virginia, we see automation as a way to support drivers, not replace them. Trust, regulation, and liability concerns will need to be addressed before full autonomy becomes mainstream. We believe that experienced, well-trained drivers are the heart of our operations, and these tools serve to augment their abilities and enhance their safety. For example, AI-powered fatigue detection can alert drivers to potential drowsiness, prompting them to take necessary breaks and preventing accidents.

The Risks We Can’t Ignore

With great potential comes responsibility. Trucking companies must be mindful of:

Data Privacy: AI systems rely on sensitive data about vehicles, drivers, and customers. Without safeguards, that data is vulnerable.
Regulatory Complexity: Privacy laws vary widely between states, making compliance challenging.
Cybersecurity Threats: Just as AI strengthens defenses, it can also power more sophisticated attacks. A “security-first” mindset is essential.

Best Practices for Safe AI Adoption

Align AI use with clear business goals.
Be transparent with employees and train them on safe AI use.
Stay informed on changing laws and regulations.
Use AI as a tool to enhance human decision-making, not replace it.

The Century Express Virginia Perspective

Since 2007, Century Express Virginia has called the Port of Virginia home. We’ve grown into a trusted partner by pairing experience with forward-thinking solutions. AI has the potential to make trucking faster, safer, and smarter, but only if it’s applied with care. Being located near the Port of Virginia has given us unique insights into the complexities of freight movement, and we understand the importance of balancing innovation with a commitment to reliability. Our goal is to leverage AI to enhance our existing capabilities and provide our clients with even greater value.

Our philosophy is simple: attitude makes the difference. As technology like AI continues to evolve, we’ll keep bringing the right mindset, strong relationships, and reliable service to every shipment we move. We believe that technology is a powerful tool, but it’s the human element; our team’s expertise, dedication, and commitment to exceptional service that truly sets us apart.

Interested in how Century Express Virginia combines innovative solutions with decades of trucking expertise? Contact our team today and let’s move your freight with confidence. We’re accessible seven days a week and can assist you with any need. Let Century Express Virginia give you a competitive edge by providing excellent service through the ports or on the road to your cargo’s destination.

Moving Overweight Freight from the Port of Virginia: How Century Express Virginia Delivers Results

Heavy cargo across state lines

Transporting overweight freight is no small task, especially when it starts at one of the busiest shipping hubs in the country, the Port of Virginia. The process involves much more than simply moving a container from point A to point B.

From navigating strict weight and size regulations to managing tight schedules and complex route restrictions, heavy-haul transportation requires precision, specialized equipment, and deep knowledge of the local transportation landscape.

At Century Express Virginia, we’ve built our reputation on mastering these challenges. With decades of experience in heavy cargo transport, our team ensures freight moves from the Port of Virginia to its final destination safely, efficiently, and in compliance with every regulation along the way.

Whether the load is industrial components or heavy construction materials, Century Express Virginia knows how to get it there on time and in perfect condition.

What Counts as Heavy Haul Freight in Virginia?

Not all freight is created equal. Cargo has specific definitions and requirements that set it apart from standard shipments. Overweight freight surpasses the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight for public roads.

Loads can be:

Divisible: Cargo that can be broken down into smaller shipments, such as bundled steel rods.
Non-divisible: Single pieces that cannot be separated without damage or excessive expense, such as cranes, transformers, or industrial presses.

Transporting these types of shipments is not simply about having a large trailer. It involves:

Specially trained drivers familiar with heavy-haul safety protocols
The correct trailer or chassis is designed for the load’s unique size and weight
Customized tie-down and securing solutions
State-specific permits for each leg of the journey

For example, a large construction excavator shipped from overseas might arrive in a flat-rack container at the Port of Virginia. It cannot be broken down for transport and exceeds both width and weight limits for a standard truck. In this situation, our team would coordinate the correct equipment, secure the necessary permits, and plan the most efficient legal route to get it to its final destination, without the risk of incurring any delays or fines.

The Role of Heavy Cargo Permitting

Permits are the gatekeepers of heavy-haul transportation. Without the correct approvals in place, even the best-planned move can have the brakes put on before it even starts, costing you valuable time and money.

Common permit types include:

Single-trip permits: For one-time transport of specific cargo along a defined route
Annual permits: For repeated movements of similar loads within a state or along certain routes
Interstate permits: For shipments that cross state lines

The permitting process is complex and involves many factors, including:

Detailed route planning to avoid low-clearance bridges, narrow roads, and weight-restricted infrastructure
Time-of-day restrictions that may limit travel to daylight hours or non-peak traffic windows
Escort vehicle requirements for loads that are especially tall, wide, or heavy

At Century Express Virginia, we manage all aspects of heavy-haul permitting across Virginia and neighboring states. Our team is experienced at navigating the complex regulatory landscape of the transportation industry, ensuring each shipment complies with all local, state, and federal laws.

By handling these approvals in advance, we minimize the risk of costly interruptions, giving you confidence that your freight will arrive on schedule.

Specialized Equipment for the Job

Having the right equipment is just as important as having the right permits.

Our fleet includes:

Flatbeds: For machinery and building materials
Step decks: For trailer cargo requiring lower deck heights to safely clear bridges
Triaxle chassis: For heavier containerized loads
Reefer units: For temperature-controlled shipments, including perishable food, pharmaceuticals, and alcoholic beverages

All equipment is meticulously maintained, and our drivers are trained to secure heavy loads safely for long-distance transport. At Century Express Virginia, we ensure the correct trailer is chosen for each shipment, taking into account weight distribution, cargo dimensions, and road conditions. This level of preparation reduces the risk of damage, delays, and compliance issues.

The Drayage Process: From Port to Destination

As one of the busiest and deepest ports on the East Coast, the Port of Virginia handles a significant volume of overweight cargo. While its infrastructure is built to accommodate large shipments, moving overweight freight out of the port and to its destination involves multiple steps, each requiring careful coordination.

Container Pickup at the Port: Century Express Virginia schedules terminal appointments, certifies customs clearance, and ensures the correct equipment is in place before arrival. This preparation minimizes costly delays at the port.
Transport to the Yard:Some shipments may move to a secure yard for staging, inspection, or transfer to specialized trailers. This step allows for detailed inspections and ensures cargo is properly configured for the final leg of delivery.
Final Delivery: Once permits, routes, and timing are confirmed, the load moves to its destination. Drivers coordinate with any required escort vehicles and follow pre-approved travel windows to maintain safety and compliance.

Every stage of the drayage process requires clear communication among shippers, carriers, and port authorities. At Century Express Virginia, we excel in this coordination. Our long-standing relationships with port authorities and familiarity with these processes help keep shipments on schedule and reduce the risk of costly demurrage or detention fees.

Century Express Virginia: Your Local Heavy-Haul Partner

Heavy-haul transport isn’t just about moving cargo—it’s about managing the entire process from start to finish. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right drayage company. Selecting the wrong carrier for overweight freight can lead to missed deadlines, permit issues, damage caused by improper handling, and unexpected fines.

At Century Express Virginia, we bring extensive experience in handling a wide variety of cargo, including industrial machinery and construction materials. Our services include everything from refrigerated transport to hazardous materials handling, transloading, and bonded carrier shipments.

Working with a specialized carrier like our team ensures faster permit approvals, equipment matched to your cargo, coordinated timing, and confidence that every move follows regulations and safety standards.

Our team is available 24/7 to meet urgent schedules and adapt to unexpected changes, ensuring your shipments stay on track no matter the circumstances. We also offer full compliance expertise, navigating local, state, and federal regulations so that every shipment moves efficiently and safely.

With trusted relationships across port authorities, escort services, and state agencies, Century Express Virginia has the equipment, experience, and local knowledge needed to ensure every shipment is delivered on time, securely, and in full compliance with all regulations.

Need Assistance With Your Next Heavy-Haul Project?

When you need heavy-haul drayage at the Port of Virginia, you can’t afford delays or guesswork. You can count on Century Express Virginia to move your freight efficiently, securely, and on schedule—every time.

Whether it’s port-to-port warehouse moving, cross-dock transfers, or an interstate journey, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your business.

Keep your freight moving on time. Contact Century Express Virginia today for expert service and local expertise.

7 Proven Strategies to Stay Profitable in Trucking—No Matter the Market

Why Beef Prices Are Rising

In the trucking industry, ups and downs are part of the journey. Freight rates rise and fall. Fuel prices spike and dip. But for seasoned owner-operators, profitability isn’t about waiting for the next boom—it’s about mastering the fundamentals.

At Century Express Virginia, located in Norfolk and Portsmouth, we know firsthand how turbulent markets can test a company’s resilience. As a trusted partner in drayage, storage, and transloading servicing the Port of Virginia, we see how discipline and foresight keep operations not just afloat but thriving. Here are seven powerful ways independent operators and logistics professionals can protect their bottom line in any market.

1. Know Your Cost Per Mile (CPM)

It all starts here. If you don’t know your operating costs per mile—including truck payments, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and more—you’re flying blind. When you know your CPM, you can evaluate every load with confidence, knowing exactly what you need to charge to make a profit. Even in a tight market, understanding your numbers can open up opportunities you may have otherwise passed up.

2. Focus on Cost Control, Not Just High Revenue

Chasing the biggest-paying loads can be tempting. But smart operators understand that controlling expenses often yields better results than waiting on windfall rates. Prioritize operational efficiency over risky gambles. Cutting costs, maintaining your truck proactively, and sticking to routes that optimize fuel, and time can make even mid-tier freight profitable.

3. Fuel Efficiency is King

Fuel is your single largest ongoing cost. Driving habits, truck aerodynamics, and speed all play a role in fuel efficiency. Slowing down even 5 mph can significantly boost miles per gallon. Consider route optimization tools, regular tire checks, and lightening unnecessary load weight. Every gallon you save adds directly to your profit margin.

4. Maximize Fuel Discounts and Planning

Beyond how much fuel you use is how much you pay for it. Partner with networks or use tools that offer discounted rates at fuel stops across the country. Planning your stops based on price data can lead to huge annual savings. A dollar off per gallon makes a meaningful difference when you’re filling up several times a week.

5. Avoid Excessive Debt and High Truck Payments

A shiny new rig might look appealing, but the payment plan might not. Operators who remain profitable during downturns often do so because they own their equipment outright or have minimal monthly payments. Used, reliable trucks that are well-maintained can be the key to lower CPM and increased flexibility when rates are low.

6. Think Like a Business Owner

Driving is just one part of the job—running a business is the rest. That means budgeting, setting aside savings for repairs or taxes, and planning for slow periods. The most successful operators aren’t necessarily the busiest, but the most prepared. Set up systems for financial tracking, and don’t be afraid to consult a mentor or financial advisor.

7. Diversify Your Opportunities

Market shifts are easier to weather when you’re not tied to a single freight type or lane. Having access to different shippers, brokers, or load boards increases your adaptability. Look for opportunities to expand into flatbed, refrigerated, or port freight. At Century Express Virginia, we help clients tap into the opportunities surrounding the Port of Virginia with flexible services and trusted support.

Adaptability is the Anchor

At Century Express Virginia, we’ve seen that the companies who remain profitable through every cycle are those who stay informed, disciplined, and focused. Whether you’re an owner-operator running solo or a growing fleet servicing port logistics, the same principles apply: know your costs, minimize waste, and make decisions with a long-term mindset.

With over 15 years serving the Port of Virginia community, our team offers support seven days a week, managing cargo with precision and care. Whether you’re seeking help with drayage, storage, or transloading, we’re ready to work for you.

The market will always change. But with the right approach, your business doesn’t have to suffer. Let Century Express Virginia help you navigate the road ahead.

Why Beef Prices Are Rising — And How It Affects More Than Just Your Grocery Bill

Heavy cargo across state lines

If you’ve noticed your favorite steak dinner or lunchtime burger costing more lately, you’re not imagining things. Across the U.S., beef prices have hit record highs—and the effects are being felt from grocery stores and restaurants to the freight and logistics companies that help move goods across the country.

At Century Express Virginia, based in Norfolk and Portsmouth, we understand that shifts in the agricultural and supply chain landscape impact every link in the logistics chain. As a premier trucking and drayage provider operating near the Port of Virginia, we keep a close eye on these trends so we can help our clients navigate them with agility and foresight.

So what exactly is driving the current surge in beef prices—and what does it mean for businesses, consumers, and logistics companies alike?

A Shrinking Cattle Supply

The U.S. beef cattle inventory has dropped to its lowest levels since 1952, according to the Department of Agriculture. As of early 2025, the beef cattle population stands at just 27.9 million—a 13% decrease since 2019. Despite this, consumer demand for beef has remained steady.

This mismatch between supply and demand has driven average beef prices to all-time highs. In May 2025, ground beef reached $5.98 per pound—a 16.2% increase from just a year earlier. Cuts like sirloin and chuck roast have followed suit.

The Long Tail of a Decade of Struggles

The reasons for the supply squeeze stretch back years. In 2014, ranchers saw strong profits and expanded their herds. But increased supply led to falling prices, and then drought conditions hit the western U.S. hard. Less grass for grazing meant higher feed costs, forcing ranchers to scale back.

Many of these ranchers are small business owners. The average beef herd in the U.S. contains just 47 cattle, and only around 10% of operations have 100 or more. With limited capital reserves, many small ranchers simply couldn’t weather the combination of rising costs and reduced revenue.

The COVID-19 pandemic only made things worse. Meatpacking plant closures and labor shortages disrupted processing and reduced demand from processors, depressing cattle prices further.

Slow Recovery, Ongoing Pressure

Now that cattle prices are rebounding, ranchers are beginning to rebuild their herds. But it takes two to three years to raise a calf to slaughter. That means the current shortage won’t be resolved overnight, and elevated beef prices are likely to persist into 2026 and beyond.

Large corporations have responded in varied ways. Some—like Walmart and Costco—are investing in their own meat processing facilities to control more of the supply chain. Others, including McDonald’s and Sysco, have taken legal action against large meat processors, alleging price manipulation. Some lawsuits have already resulted in multimillion-dollar settlements.

What It Means for Freight and Logistics

At Century Express Virginia, we see firsthand how these shifts in the food industry ripple through supply chains. As beef prices climb, retailers and distributors adjust their strategies—bundling products, consolidating shipments, or changing sourcing altogether.

Food service companies may require more flexible storage or transloading solutions to handle variable order sizes. Restaurants and grocery chains are rethinking their inventory models. These evolving needs put pressure on logistics providers to stay adaptable, responsive, and cost-efficient.

Because we operate seven days a week and are deeply embedded in the Port of Virginia ecosystem, we help our clients meet those challenges head-on. Whether it’s ensuring timely drayage of refrigerated containers or offering secure short-term storage for bulk meat shipments, we deliver inventive, on-the-ground solutions tailored to shifting market realities.

Adapting at Every Level

From major grocers to small meat retailers, businesses across the food industry are adjusting how they manage, sell, and source beef products. Whether it’s reducing portion sizes, bundling product offers, or offering discounts on bulk orders, companies are finding creative ways to support customers while maintaining margins.

These grassroots adjustments show how deeply intertwined agricultural, economic, and logistical systems have become. Every change at the ranching level influences processing, distribution, and ultimately how logistics providers like Century Express Virginia deliver value.

Moving Forward: Navigating with Insight

There is no quick fix for the beef supply chain. But businesses that stay informed and agile will be best positioned to weather the volatility. At Century Express Virginia, we believe that “attitude makes the difference.”

Our team, with its wide range of expertise and deep roots in the port community, works to ensure every client can adapt to changing economic conditions with confidence. From drayage to storage and transloading, we help you move with intention—even when the market gets tough.

So whether you’re moving cargo from port to warehouse or recalibrating your supply chain around the rising cost of beef, we’re here to help keep your business resilient.

Contact Century Express Virginia today to learn how we can help streamline your supply chain in a time of rising costs and shifting trends.