Drayage in the Baltimore Port

By Garrett Wiebking

Edited by Siyana Randolph

On October 14, Baltimore's Seagirt Terminal handled 4,438 trucks. The most ever in one day. (Port of Baltimore Facebook)

Drayage refers to the short-distance transport of freight between ports, rail terminals, warehouses, and distribution centers. The word originates from 'dray,' a low, flat cart pulled by horses in early freight operations. Over time, the term evolved to describe short-haul trucking that links different modes of transportation within the modern supply chain. Drayage plays a crucial role in the Port of Baltimore’s daily operations by ensuring that cargo moves efficiently between ships, trucks, and rail connections.

History of Drayage

Before the rise of mechanized vehicles, dray horses hauled goods from docks to warehouses across Baltimore. With the introduction of trucks and the expansion of containerized shipping in the mid-20th century, drayage shifted from animal to engine power. Today, diesel trucks and chassis systems carry standardized containers to their next destination—whether a rail ramp, warehouse, or distribution hub. This change marked a major step toward the worldwide adoption of an integrated intermodal system.

Modern Operations in Baltimore

At the Port of Baltimore, drayage operators are a vital link between terminals such as Seagirt, Dundalk, and South Locust Point. They move cargo containers to rail yards and storage facilities across the Greater Baltimore area. Local companies, including J.B. Transport and Evan Transportation, coordinate hundreds of short hauls daily. These carriers play a behind-the-scenes but indispensable role in maintaining the port’s reputation for quick turnaround and reliability. Drivers must hold a commercial driver’s license (CDLs), follow strict safety procedures, and adapt to scheduling challenges such as terminal congestion and limited chassis availability.

New dray truck purchased as part of the EPAs improved air quality replacement truck initiative. (US EPA)

Environmental and Economic Impact

Although drayage is essential to port operations, in the past it has also contributed to congestion and emissions. As a result, the Maryland Port Administration has encouraged modernization through cleaner trucks and reduced engine idling. Federal and state incentive programs help companies replace older diesel engines with low-emission alternatives. These initiatives reduce the port’s carbon footprint while improving air quality for nearby communities.

Importance to the Supply Chain

Drayage acts as the connective tissue of the intermodal system. Without it ships could not efficiently transfer containers to trucks or rail networks. The efficiency of drayage directly impacts turnaround time, delivery schedules, and cost control across the entire supply chain. For Baltimore, an efficient drayage system supports tens of thousands of jobs and helps keep the port competitive in global commerce.

Drayage in the Port of Baltimore combines history, technology, and logistics into a single essential operation. What began with horse-drawn carts has become a sophisticated network of truckers, dispatchers, and terminals that keep goods flowing through Maryland. As Baltimore continues to modernize its freight infrastructure, drayage will remain central to the port’s success and the region's economic health.