What Can Move by Rail Drayage? And Why It’s a Smart Choice for Your Supply Chain

Many companies rely on intermodal transportation to move goods. Intermodal means “multiple modes,” so a single shipment may travel via cargo ship, railway, and refrigerated truck before reaching its destination.

Rail drayage is a critical step in this process. Drayage involves moving materials between rail yards and other destinations. It’s the short-distance transport of goods to and from rail terminals, often as part of this intermodal logistics chain.

For example, a shipment of DVD players might arrive in Philadelphia via rail. Then it travels by truck to a local distribution center. The movement of the DVD players between the rail yard and the distribution center is a form of rail drayage.

Whether you sell packaged foods or paper products, rail drayage gives you a cost-effective way to move items over short distances. Learn more about how rail drayage can help you meet your company’s logistics goals.

What Products Can Be Moved by Rail Drayage?

Rail drayage is ideal for moving products that aren’t subject to strict safety regulations. For example, if your company sells a product packaged in aerosol cans, you might want to choose an alternate logistics method.

Otherwise, rail drayage is suitable for a wide range of products, including:

• Shelf-stable foods
• Canned and bottled beverages
• Paper (copy paper, toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)
• Appliances
• Furniture
• Clothing
• Accessories
• Home goods
• Recyclable materials

Benefits of Rail Drayage

Rail drayage focuses on moving short distances, offering several benefits over other transportation methods. Here are a few reasons why many logistics professionals use rail drayage to meet their goals.

Flexibility

Flexibility is extremely important in the logistics field. If you use flexible transportation methods, you can respond quickly to sudden market changes. Choosing the right method also makes a big difference in your ability to meet delivery deadlines.

Rail drayage enhances flexibility by allowing you to use multiple transportation methods. Although rail transportation has many benefits, you can’t use trains to deliver goods to warehouses or end users. Some companies also have distribution centers in areas that aren’t serviced by rail lines.

When you use rail drayage, you don’t have to worry about these problems. You can enjoy the benefits of rail transport and trucking, making it easier to keep costs low without reducing efficiency.

Cost Savings

Logistics professionals are always looking for ways to reduce costs. If you ship via truck, you can only fit a limited number of goods in each vehicle. Trains have multiple units, increasing the amount of cargo space available.

With more cargo space, it costs less per ton to transport your goods. This is because the railway can spread its fuel and maintenance costs over several units.

Trains also have better fuel efficiency than trucks. As a result, they can travel greater distances before the operator needs to add more diesel. Increased fuel efficiency for the railway results in lower costs for your company.

Finally, railways have different labor requirements. If a company has 100 trucks, it needs at least 100 drivers to operate them. The company may even need 200 or 300 drivers if it wants to move goods 24 hours per day.

No matter how big it is, a freight train can operate with just a few employees. The reduced demand for labor leads to lower costs for shippers.

Enhanced Shipment Tracking

Transportation is only one aspect of logistics. You also need to think about inventory management. Proper inventory management prevents spoilage and reduces storage costs. It may even help you deliver better customer service.

Part of managing your inventory correctly is knowing where goods are at all times. Today, rail drayage providers use several methods to track shipments. For example, your provider might use GPS or RFID tags to monitor goods.

When you know exactly where your goods are, you can make decisions with confidence. Modern monitoring techniques also prevent delays and improve customer service.

Increased Efficiency

Efficiency is about increasing output without using more resources. Trucking has many benefits, but it’s not the most efficient mode of transportation. If you want to ship more goods, you need to pay more drivers and load more trucks.

Trucking is also dependent on traffic conditions. If it rains or snows, drivers may not be able to deliver your goods on time. Accidents and traffic jams can also cause delivery delays.

Railways have their own dedicated lines, so you generally don’t have to worry about congestion. Train accidents are also much rarer than truck accidents. When you use rail drayage, you can rest easy knowing that your goods are moving as efficiently as possible.

Improved Hub Operations

Many companies rely on intermodal hubs to move goods. These hubs provide access to multiple transportation methods. For example, a hub may serve as a loading point for ships, trucks, and trains.

Rail drayage makes it easier to transfer goods from trains to trucks. As a result, it reduces idle time and prevents congestion. The faster freight flows, the easier it is to meet your customers’ needs.

Expanded Market Access

If you had to rely solely on the railroad system, you wouldn’t be able to serve nearly as many customers. Rail drayage gives you access to additional markets by making it easier for goods to reach retailers and distribution centers.

The Century Express Virginia Advantage

Century Express Virginia operates out of the Port of Virginia. We also have a team of experienced logistics professionals available to answer your questions and help you find the most efficient transportation method.

What sets us apart from other Virginia trucking companies is that we have strong relationships within the port community. These relationships allow us to minimize your costs while delivering the excellent service you’ve come to expect.

Our team is dedicated to helping you find the right solution for every logistics problem. Whether you need rail drayage or transloading, we approach every challenge with a positive attitude. This unique approach makes us a valued logistics partner, rather than just another trucking company.

Schedule a call to learn more about how we can help you increase efficiency, lower your costs, and meet your customers’ needs with rail drayage.

Partnering with a trucking company helps to streamline operations, enhances safety, gives you access to advanced technology, and saves your costs in the long run. However, with so many providers in the market, all claiming to offer quality services, you must be diligent in selecting a trucking partner who will meet your business needs. Here are helpful tips on how to choose the right trucking partner for your business.

Evaluate Reliability and Reputation

A trucking partner becomes part of your business operation. That means that their services will determine how your customers view your company. You need a partner with a proven record of timely deliveries and prompt responsiveness to inquiries. Check if the provider prioritizes safety and compliance and research what their previous customers are saying about their reliability.

Besides online reviews, you may ask for references to speak directly with current or past clients for firsthand insights. With this information, you can settle for smooth operations that will foster trust with your clients.

Assess Scalability and Flexibility

Every business owner strives to see their company grow. Part of being prepared for such a time is working with service providers that can scale with you and adapt to the increasing demands. The right trucking company should be equipped to deal with seasonal fluctuations to ensure a smooth transition during the peak seasons.

Select a provider offering a wide range of services, like drayage, transloading, or storage, to meet your evolving needs. Geographic reach is another important consideration. Ensure they have a strong network in your key operational areas to support your business expansion. Scalability allows for seamless growth, while flexibility ensures that unexpected challenges are met with effective solutions, helping your business remain agile and competitive.

Examine Fleet, Equipment, and Technology

The state of a trucking company’s fleet directly impacts delivery efficiency and cargo safety. Inquire about the condition of their fleet, including the age, maintenance schedule, and overall capabilities of their trucks. Specialized equipment may be necessary for your business, such as temperature-controlled trailers or oversized load equipment, so confirm their availability. Technology integration is another critical factor. Look for companies that use GPS tracking, automated dispatch systems, and other advanced solutions to provide real-time shipment updates. These tools improve operational efficiency and offer transparency, giving you peace of mind and better control over your shipments.

Prioritize Safety and Compliance Standards

Safety is non-negotiable when transporting goods, especially across long distances. Verify that the trucking company holds all necessary licenses, permits, and insurance coverage. Regulatory adherence is crucial to avoid legal complications and ensure safe operations. Additionally, inquire about their safety programs, including driver training, accident prevention measures, and compliance with safety regulations. Reviewing their inspection history can provide valuable insights into their commitment to safe and compliant operations. Strong safety protocols protect your shipments, reduce risks of delays, and enhance the overall reliability of your logistics network.

Focus On Communication and Customer Support

Clear communication is key to any successful partnership. Settle for a provider with dedicated representatives who serve as single points of contact. This way, you will always have someone to address your inquiries promptly, thus preventing delayed deliveries. Customer support should be accessible. A company that is available seven days a week makes a huge difference during critical operations. Transparent and responsive communication builds trust and helps you resolve potential issues efficiently, ensuring your logistics operations run smoothly.

Evaluate Cost vs. Value

Cost is a critical aspect, especially since business owners strive to minimize spending and maximize returns. Nonetheless, don’t be easily lured by the cheapest option in the market, as sometimes, low cost can mean inferior services. Instead, focus on the value you will get from the trucking services.

You may request the trucking company for a detailed breakdown of services vs. costs. This idea helps prevent hidden fees. Pay attention to the value-added services the company provides, like customer support, specialized handlines, and timely delivery, then consider whether they align with your operational goals. Think about the return on investment (ROI) their services can offer. A slightly higher cost may yield better results in reliability, safety, and technology integration.

Takeaway

Choosing a trucking company is not just about finding a provider who meets transactional needs. You need a partner who will facilitate business growth and give your organization a competitive edge. Prioritize their reputation, reliability, customer support, and compliance to get a partnership that will propel your business forward. Contact Century Express today for rate quotes and answers to any of your transportation-related needs.