Drayage capacity at major US container gateways remains tight as elevated import volumes strain pickup and inland transfer operations, with the Port of Houston drawing attention for handling record cargo volumes. Industry sources expect volumes there to keep growing.
What Happened
Since mid-August, US trucking and logistics firms have cited tight drayage capacity as the biggest brake on growth, warning of bottlenecks at ports and inland rail ramps. A tightening trucking sector, compounded by a seasonal shift of drivers from drayage to longhaul, has widened the capacity gap.
This year's peak season has run longer than usual, driven by tariff uncertainty and front-loading to beat higher fuel surcharges. According to Descartes, US containerised imports rose 10.3% year on year in September. By late August, the National Drayage Spot Market Index was up 8.2% year on year, climbing to 9.8% by early this month, while the national drayage demand index was 18% above the past six months and 9% above the previous four weeks.
Houston has seen above-average rate increases. According to data provider Drayrates, drayage rates there were up 34% year on year, versus a national average of 18%. One logistics executive reported Houston dray rates had jumped about 40% over the past four months, albeit from a low base.
Background
Houston's volume growth is driven by multiple factors: record container throughput in the first half, up 3% year on year; loaded imports up about 5% year on year through August, with traffic from Asia up nearly 12%. Rapid manufacturing expansion in Texas and a wave of equipment and materials for AI-related infrastructure have also lifted import demand. Meanwhile, Middle East disruptions to resin exports have boosted US resin exports.
Over the past 45 days, some cargo owners have booked transatlantic routings via the US Gulf coast to avoid Panama Canal congestion, while concerns over dwell times at California gateways have pushed some imports through Houston. Container volumes moving through the port en route to Mexico have also grown. Houston is also a leading maritime gateway for outsize and project cargo, adding to landside volumes.
Impact on Shippers
For Chinese exporters to the US, the tight drayage market mainly affects last-mile pickup and inland transfer. Houston drayage rates are rising faster than the national average, so cargo entering via that gateway may face higher short-haul and inland costs. Driver shortages can also tighten pickup appointments and delay container returns, affecting overall transit times.
The report did not mention customs policy changes, but port and rail ramp congestion could extend cargo dwell times and raise demurrage and storage risks. The National Retail Federation recently signalled the extended peak season should wind down this month as most holiday merchandise has arrived. Containerised imports at major US ports are forecast at 25.8 million teu for the full year, up 1.4% from 2025. A pullback in retail imports may ease some pressure at Houston, but other volume drivers show no sign of slowing.
Recommendations
Shippers should confirm capacity and chassis equipment with drayage providers early, especially for special cargo such as hazmat or reefers. For cargo entering via Houston, allow more time for pickup and inland transfer, and clarify demurrage and storage cost-sharing in contracts. Monitor the latest port and rail ramp notices and assess alternative gateways if needed. Rates and port operations are subject to the latest official announcements.