Drayage and cartage both describe short-distance trucking, but drayage specifically means hauling an ocean container to or from a port or rail yard, while cartage is general local delivery of loose freight.
Drayage: the port connection
Drayage is the specialized move of a marine container between the Ports of Long Beach or Los Angeles and a nearby warehouse, rail ramp, or transload facility. It involves chassis, appointments, and port fees that general trucking doesn't.
Cartage: local freight movement
Cartage refers to moving loose or palletized freight locally — for example, delivering already-unloaded goods across Los Angeles County. It doesn't involve port equipment or terminal appointments.
Why the distinction matters
When you hire a partner, be clear which you need. A port-adjacent 3PL handles both: drayage off the terminal and cartage for last-mile delivery across Southern California.
