A common hidden challenge in drayage is the risk of port delays, which not only disrupt delivery schedules but also burden shippers with extra fees.
These can include demurrage fees for containers left too long at the port, early or late arrival charges for missed time slots, or traffic mitigation fees imposed by some ports on trucks. Without accurate information and efficient practices, shippers can face significant unexpected costs due to inefficiencies in their drayage provider’s operations.
Avoiding problems like these is one of Hight’s specialties.
We’ve been operating at the ports for a long time, and we’ve learned a lot. We know how to put ourselves – and you – in the best position to get in, take possession of your containers, and get them out quickly.
Here are some of the advantages we have in this regard:
Our Terminal and Warehouse Are Strategically Located. We understand that client requests are time sensitive. It’s the nature of our business. We’re close to the port and ready for our clients when they need us dispatched.
Advance Planning Wherever Possible. Our strong client relationships allow us to anticipate when they’ll need us at the port to retrieve their containers. Effective drayage begins with meticulous planning, and we prioritize proactive preparation and strategic asset allocation to minimize disruptions and delays.
Our Systems Empower Us to Manage Our Port Activity. Operating at ports is best when it’s by appointment, and the better transportation management systems make it easy for drivers to reach our clients’ containers without wasting time. All our drivers are thoroughly trained in the use of these systems, so they know how to avoid delays.
Our Warehouse Is Very Efficient at Crossdocking and Transloading. Because we can transload freight from international containers to domestic containers at our own facility, the process is quick and increases overall efficiencies both at the port and outside.
No drayage carrier can control every unforeseen circumstance, but we have achieved a high level of excellence getting in and out of ports, not wasting time and not incurring messy fees.
In fact, a client recently told us that he’d been frustrated dealing with other companies whose drivers couldn’t seem to figure out how to not waste time at the ports. We’re not sure how other companies do things, but we know that there is both an art and a science to port efficiency.
That’s why we’ve got it mastered. It’s the least we can do for clients who need on-time deliveries at reasonable costs.
