Day Cab for Drayage & Intermodal: Why It Is the Go-To Truck

Maneuverability in ports — Seaports have narrow lanes between container stacks, tight corners, and limited staging areas. A day cab's shorter wheelbase and tighter turning radius let you navigate these spaces efficiently. A sleeper cab's extra length would make every turn harder and slower.

Weight savings for heavy containers — Loaded shipping containers can weigh 40,000-44,000 lbs. With an 80,000 lb GVWR limit, every pound of tractor weight matters. A day cab that weighs 3,000 lbs less than a sleeper gives you 3,000 lbs more capacity for heavier containers.

Short distances — Drayage moves are typically 10-100 miles. There is zero need for a sleeper compartment when your furthest delivery is 90 minutes from the port and you are back for the next container in 3 hours.

Lower operating cost — Better fuel efficiency, no APU needed, lower insurance for local operations, and lower purchase price all contribute to a lower cost per mile.

Quick turnaround — Drayage is about speed — get in, pick up, deliver, return. A day cab's lighter weight and shorter length mean faster acceleration and easier parking at delivery locations, shaving minutes off each move that add up to an extra load per day.

Day cab tractor — Any Class 8 day cab works for drayage. Popular choices include the Freightliner Cascadia, Volvo VNR, and Kenworth T680 in day cab configuration. See our best day cab trucks guide.

Container chassis — The trailer that the shipping container sits on. You can own your own ($5,000-$15,000 used), lease one from a chassis pool (DCLI, TRAC), or use port-provided chassis where available. Most drayage operators start with pool chassis.

Insurance — Standard trucking insurance (liability, cargo, physical damage) plus any port-specific insurance requirements. Some ports require higher liability limits ($2M+) for access. Budget $14,000-$20,000/year.

TWIC card — Required for unescorted access to maritime ports. Cost: $125.25. Processing time: 8-12 weeks. Valid for 5 years. Apply at an enrollment center near you — do not wait until you have freight to move.

Port-specific credentials — Many ports require their own registration, truck inspection, and driver training beyond the TWIC card. Los Angeles/Long Beach requires the CPCRA clean truck program. Other ports have similar specific requirements.

MC authority and DOT number — Standard MC authority and DOT number required for for-hire trucking. Drayage-only operators sometimes work as sub-haulers under another company's authority when starting out.