How Much Does Port Drayage Cost in Tacoma & Seattle? (2026 Rate Guide)
Port drayage cost Tacoma Seattle shippers pay typically ranges from $300 to $900 per move — but the final number depends on several factors that most carriers don’t explain upfront. This guide breaks down exactly what drives drayage rates at the Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle, what fees to watch out for, and how to make sure you’re getting a fair price.
Table of Contents
What Is Port Drayage?
Port drayage is the short-distance truck move that gets your shipping container from the port terminal to your warehouse, distribution center, or facility. It’s the first or last mile of an international shipment — the piece that connects the massive container ship to your loading dock.
At the Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle, drayage moves happen thousands of times per day. Getting the right carrier at the right price matters — especially when demurrage fees are ticking.
Port Drayage Cost Tacoma & Seattle — 2026 Rate Ranges
Here are typical drayage rates you can expect at the Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle in 2026:
| Move Type | Typical Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Local drayage (under 5 miles) | $250 – $350 |
| Regional drayage (20–50 miles) | $450 – $700 |
| Long-distance drayage (50+ miles) | $700 – $1,000+ |
| Floor-loaded container (extra labor) | Add $150 – $300 (drop & pick) |
| Standby time @ ports & live unload | Add $60 – $150 |
These rates are for the base move only. Several additional fees can add to your total — which we cover below.
What Factors Affect Port Drayage Cost?
1. Distance from the Port
The further your delivery address is from the terminal, the higher the base rate. A container going to Kent or Auburn will cost less than one going to Spokane or Yakima. Most Puget Sound drayage moves fall in the $300–$900 range for local delivery.
2. Container Size
20-foot containers (TEUs) are generally cheaper to haul than 40-foot containers (FEUs) due to weight and equipment differences. Most moves today involve 40-foot containers, so most rate quotes are based on that size.
3. Chassis Fee
A chassis is the wheeled frame the container sits on during transport. At the Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle, chassis are sourced through shared pools and typically cost $45 to $75 per day. Most drayage carriers include chassis in their all-in rate — always ask upfront.
4. Fuel Surcharge
In 2026 this typically adds 30–55% to the base drayage rate — fuel is at an all-time high in Washington State. A good carrier includes this in their quoted price rather than surprising you on the invoice.
5. Wait Time & Detention
If your driver has to wait at the terminal or at your facility beyond a standard window (usually 2 hours), detention fees apply — typically $75 to $150 per hour. Having your facility ready to receive the container on time avoids this cost entirely.
6. Floor-Loaded vs. Palletized
Palletized freight moves faster and easier. Floor-loaded containers require manual unloading, which adds labor time and cost. If your container is floor-loaded, expect to add $150–$300 to your drayage cost.
Demurrage — The Hidden Cost That Catches Shippers Off Guard
Demurrage is the fee the port charges when your container sits at the terminal too long after it’s been discharged from the vessel. At the Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle, demurrage typically starts at $150 per day and escalates quickly — sometimes reaching $400+ per day on high-demand vessels.
The best way to avoid demurrage is to have your drayage carrier scheduled before your vessel arrives. A good carrier will monitor vessel ETAs and schedule terminal appointments proactively so your container moves before the free time expires.
How to Get the Best Port Drayage Rate
- Ask for an all-in quote — base rate, fuel, chassis, and fees included. Never accept a “base rate only” quote.
- Book early — last-minute drayage always costs more. Book your carrier before the vessel arrives.
- Have your facility ready — avoid detention fees by having your dock clear and staff ready to receive.
- Use a local carrier — local drayage companies based in Tacoma and Seattle have lower overhead and faster response times than national brokers.
- Ask about volume discounts — if you move multiple containers per week, most carriers will negotiate a rate.
Get a Port Drayage Cost Tacoma Seattle Quote Today
Tacoma Drayage Trucking provides all-in drayage quotes for moves from the Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle. No hidden fees, no surprises — just a firm rate before we commit to any job. Call us or submit a quote request and we’ll get back to you within 1 business hour.
Tacoma Drayage Trucking
(206) 821-7007 · Monday–Friday 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Weekends On-Call
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