Why Your Drayage RFP Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Bid season is here, and choosing the right drayage partner can mean the difference between on-time deliveries and costly delays. How do you select the best drayage partner for your business? We'll explore 5 questions you should ask potential providers in the bid process.
Many logistics teams focus on price, but forget to evaluate service reliability, technology capabilities, and flexibility in their RFPs.
What’s the risk of not properly vetting your drayage provider?
❌ Delays & Congestion – Poor planning leads to port backups and detention fees.
❌ Hidden Costs – Unclear pricing structures result in unexpected chassis and fuel surcharges.
❌ Lack of Visibility – No real-time tracking means surprises in your supply chain.
Ensure your business is set up for success in 2025. Here are five key questions you should ask your potential drayage partners in an RFP.
5 Key Questions to Ask in a Drayage RFQ:
- Does the provider offer nationwide coverage & flexible capacity?
BCOs need drayage providers that can scale with their freight demands across multiple regions. A provider with a strong national footprint and a flexible capacity model ensures that freight moves efficiently, even during seasonal surges, disruptions, or unexpected volume shifts. This is especially critical for companies with diverse import/export lanes.
Look for nationwide coverage at every major U.S. port and rail ramp, ensuring they can scale as your volumes fluctuate.
💡 CPG’s Advantage: With owned assets + an extended partner network, we provide scalable capacity where and when you need it.
- What technology & tracking capabilities do they provide?
Real-time visibility is no longer optional in modern supply chains. BCOs should look for drayage providers that offer GPS tracking, EDI/API integrations, and automated status updates to reduce uncertainty and improve planning. Advanced technology ensures better communication, proactive issue resolution, and a smoother overall experience.
In 2025, real-time shipment visibility is critical. Ask if your drayage provider offers:
✔ Automated dispatching
✔ Geo-fencing & predictive ETAs
✔ EDI/API integration with your TMS/ERP
💡 CPG’s Advantage: With our parent company's acquisition of Dray Alliance, we provide AI-powered tracking, transparency, and predictive insights on your container movements on the West Coast. We also offer custom EDI integrations and additional tech resources. - How do they handle costs, chassis access, and detention risk?
Drayage pricing can be complex, with variable costs tied to chassis fees, per-diem charges, and detention risks. BCOs should assess how a provider manages these costs, whether they offer chassis pools, proactive container management, and transparent pricing structures. Providers that minimize detention and demurrage fees can save shippers significant expenses.
Pricing transparency is key. Ensure your RFQ asks about:
✔ Flat-rate vs. per-mile pricing
✔ Chassis pool access & surcharges
✔ Detention and demurrage mitigation strategies
💡 CPG’s Advantage: Our private chassis fleet and proactive exception management help reduce per-diem fees and eliminate unnecessary costs. - Can they support warehousing, transloading & end-to-end logistics?
A provider with integrated warehousing and transloading capabilities can streamline supply chains, reducing transit times and handling costs. BCOs should consider drayage partners that offer seamless handoffs between port drayage, storage, and final-mile delivery to optimize their logistics strategy.
Ask if your provider can reduce handoffs by integrating drayage, transloading, and warehousing.
💡 CPG’s Advantage: As part of World Group, we provide seamless logistics integration with World Distribution Services, Pacific Cascade Distribution and Dray Alliance.
- Are they stable, scalable, and built for long-term partnerships?
Choosing the right drayage partner isn’t just about short-term cost savings, it’s about long-term reliability. BCOs should assess a provider’s financial stability, network scalability, and commitment to ongoing service quality. A drayage provider with a solid foundation can help businesses navigate market fluctuations and maintain supply chain resilience.
In a market flooded with private equity-backed firms focused on fast growth and quick exits, ensure your drayage partner prioritizes long-term reliability.
💡 CPG’s Advantage: We are family-owned, debt-free, and focused on sustainable growth—not shareholder returns.
Why Shippers Trust CPG for Drayage in 2025
Shippers trust ContainerPort Group for our 50 years of drayage expertise, paired with the technology, scale, and flexibility today’s supply chains demand. Our nationwide network, real-time visibility tools, and proactive service model help reduce risk, manage costs, and keep freight moving, even in the face of disruption. More than a trucking provider, we’re a strategic partner built for long-term success.
With CPG, shippers can expect:
✅ 50+ Years of Expertise – A legacy of trusted execution.
✅ Owned Assets + Extended Network – Capacity where you need it.
✅ New AI-Powered Tech – Seamless, real-time tracking & automation.
✅ End-to-End Logistics Integration – Warehousing, transloading, and drayage.
Thank you for considering ContainerPort Group for your drayage services. Submit your RFP today and get a customized quote within 24 hours.
