Top Five Causes of Drayage Delays—and How Terminal Transfer Helps Shippers Stay Ahead in the Pacific Northwest

Keeping Freight on Track: The Truth About Drayage Delays

When it comes to intermodal drayage in the Pacific Northwest, drayage delays can throw off entire supply chains. Whether you’re moving containers from the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma, or Portland, the slightest hiccup can result in lost time and additional costs. 

Fortunately, shippers using Terminal Transfer’s intermodal and drayage services have a clear advantage: real-time communication, strategic proximity to major terminals, and deep expertise in local port operations.

Here are the top five causes of drayage delays—and how Terminal Transfer helps avoid them.

1. Port Congestion

• The problem: High vessel traffic and chassis shortages can cause delays in pickup and delivery.

• Terminal Transfer advantage: With facilities located just a short drive from the Port of Portland and strong relationships with Seattle and Tacoma terminals, Terminal Transfer minimizes waiting time, ensuring that our drivers move containers efficiently.

2. Missed Cut-Off Windows

• The problem: Drayage schedules are tight. Missing terminal or rail cut-offs can delay containers by days.

• Terminal Transfer advantage: The operations team monitors daily port and rail schedules. Proactive alerts and early pickups ensure cargo continues to flow smoothly, especially during weekends and holidays.

3. Documentation Errors

• The problem: Incorrect bills of lading or missing customs data lead to stops and penalties.

• Terminal Transfer advantage: Integrated logistics coordination ensures every container has complete, verified documentation before dispatch—saving both time and compliance headaches.

4. Poor Communication Between Parties

• The problem: Gaps between steamship lines, rail carriers, and drayage providers cause confusion.

• Terminal Transfer advantage: A real-time tracking and communication system bridges those gaps. Clients receive updates on every move—pickup, gate-out, and delivery confirmation—all in one streamlined process.

5. Equipment and Yard Constraints

• The problem: Lack of chassis, containers, or yard space leads to unplanned delays.

• Terminal Transfer advantage: With dedicated yard space, 24/7 secure storage, and reliable equipment availability, we maintain operational flexibility even during peak congestion.

Why Terminal Transfer Works for Pacific Northwest Shippers

Operating in Portland, Tacoma, and Seattle, Terminal Transfer offers shippers direct access to all major PNW terminals. Our service range includes:

• Intermodal drayage and transloading

• Cross-docking and container storage

• Heavy lift and overweight handling

• Real-time communication and tracking

With over 30 years of regional expertise, we understand the challenges—and the shortcuts—to keep freight on time and budgets intact.

The Bottom Line

Every drayage delay has a cause—but with Terminal Transfer, every cause has a solution. Our proximity to ports, consistent service performance, and proactive team make us an indispensable partner for importers and exporters in the Pacific Northwest.

Ready to keep your containers moving? Visit TerminalTransfer.com and connect with our team today to optimize your next drayage move.