In the high-stakes world of logistics, time is everything. Whether you’re importing raw materials, finished goods, or time-sensitive inventory, delays at the port can have a cascading effect on your entire supply chain. That’s why fast turnaround times in port drayage are critical—and why at Drayage Company by Best, we’ve built our entire operation around speed, precision, and transparency.
While many drayage companies struggle with slow pickups, chassis shortages, and communication breakdowns, we pride ourselves on getting your containers in and out of ports with efficiency that rivals the best in the industry. In this blog, we’ll pull back the curtain and show you how our approach to fast turnaround times helps your business move faster, smarter, and with fewer headaches.
What Is Port Drayage?
Port drayage is the short-distance transportation of shipping containers from a seaport to a nearby destination, such as a warehouse, distribution center, or rail hub. Though often overlooked, this “first mile” is critical—it sets the pace for everything that follows in your logistics pipeline.
Every hour a container sits at the terminal risks incurring demurrage fees, missing delivery windows, or tying up capital in delayed inventory. That’s why businesses need reliable drayage trucking that doesn’t just move freight—it moves it fast.
Why Turnaround Time Matters in Drayage
In port drayage, turnaround time refers to how quickly a container is picked up after being offloaded from the vessel and then delivered to its next destination. The longer this process takes, the more risk, cost, and frustration it creates.
Slow turnaround times can result in:
Accumulated demurrage or detention charges
Missed appointments at warehouses or retail distribution centers
Increased lead times for customer orders
Disruption to inventory and production schedules
Conversely, fast turnaround times enable:
Cost savings
Greater inventory visibility and control
On-time delivery to customers
Agile, responsive supply chains
The Drayage Company by Best Advantage
We’re not just another name on a list of drayage companies—we’re logistics experts with a laser focus on performance. Here’s how we achieve fast turnaround times that make a real difference:
1. Proactive Container Tracking and Alerts
The first step to a quick pickup is knowing exactly when a container is available. At Drayage Company by Best, we use real-time port data integrations to monitor vessel arrivals, customs clearance, and container availability the moment your freight hits the dock.
Our system immediately alerts our dispatch team when a container is ready to move—often before other carriers even realize it’s been offloaded. That head start can mean the difference between clearing your container within the free period or getting stuck with fees.
2. Chassis Availability and Smart Allocation
One of the biggest bottlenecks in drayage is chassis shortages. No chassis, no pickup. That’s why we maintain a dedicated fleet of chassis and have access to multiple chassis pools across major ports.
Our logistics software matches available equipment to incoming containers for optimized scheduling—eliminating wait times and missed appointments.
3. Terminal Appointments and Pre-Scheduling
We don’t wait in line. Drayage Company by Best pre-books terminal appointments whenever possible, shaving hours off the pickup process. Our dispatchers understand the ins and outs of each port’s systems and restrictions, allowing us to maneuver through the terminal more efficiently than general carriers.
This kind of proactive planning is where many drayage companies fall short—but it’s one of our specialties.
4. Experienced Drivers with Port Access and TWIC Cards
Speed at the port comes down to who’s behind the wheel. Our drivers are licensed, TWIC-certified, and highly experienced in navigating terminal operations. They know the entry points, inspection lanes, and exit protocols at every major port.
The result? Fewer delays, faster pickups, and more predictable deliveries.
5. In-House Drayage Brokerage Capabilities
When capacity is tight or shipments spike, our in-house drayage brokerage team steps in to source reliable, vetted carriers from our partner network. Unlike traditional brokers, we ensure that any third-party copyright meets our standards for speed, compliance, and communication.
This hybrid model—asset-based trucking + smart brokerage—gives us unmatched flexibility and allows us to scale quickly without sacrificing service.
6. Real-Time GPS Tracking for Full Visibility
Fast movement is only part of the equation. You also need to know what’s happening at every step. Our GPS-enabled trucks provide real-time tracking, so you can follow your shipment from port pickup to final delivery.
Plus, our customer dashboard puts all this information at your fingertips, including:
Estimated time of arrival
Current truck location
Container release status
Proof of delivery
This transparency gives you peace of mind—and lets your team plan with confidence.
7. 24/7 Customer Support and Operations Monitoring
Logistics doesn’t sleep, and neither do we. Our team is on-call around the clock to monitor port activity, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate deliveries. If something goes wrong—a customs delay, a chassis swap, a port closure—we act fast to reroute and recover without missing a beat.
We’re not just a service provider; we’re a true logistics partner.
Real Results: What Fast Turnaround Times Mean for You
Here’s what our customers experience when they work with Drayage Company by Best:
80%+ of containers picked up within 24 hours of availability
Drastically reduced demurrage and detention charges
Improved inventory flow into DCs and retail centers
On-time delivery rates exceeding 98%
Increased customer satisfaction and repeat business
It’s not magic—it’s process, technology, and dedication working in sync.
Choosing the Right Drayage Company
When selecting a drayage company, it’s tempting to focus on price—but smart shippers know that speed and reliability are where real savings happen. A slightly cheaper quote means nothing if your cargo sits at the port racking up fees or missing delivery deadlines.
At Drayage Company by Best, we focus on long-term value. Our fast turnaround times help you:
Lower overall freight costs
Maintain better supplier and customer relationships
Improve operational efficiency
Free up working capital tied in delayed inventory
Final Thoughts: Time Is Your Most Valuable Asset
Port drayage may be short-haul by distance, but it’s long on impact. The way your logistics partner handles those first critical hours can shape the success of your entire supply chain.
If you’re tired of delays, surprise fees, and poor communication, it’s time to work with a drayage company that puts speed and service first.
Drayage Company by Best is built for performance. We don’t just move containers—we move them faster, smarter, and more reliably than the rest.
???? Ready to speed up your supply chain? Contact Drayage Company by Best today and experience the difference that fast turnaround times can make.
Drayage Company by Best
135 W 41st St,Suite 404, New York, NY 10036, United States
516-963-2341
https://drayagecompany.net/