PORT DIRECTORY
Drayage Carriers at the Port of New York / New Jersey
About Drayage at This Port
The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest container port on the US East Coast and the third largest in the country, handling over 9 million TEU per year. Operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), the port complex spans six marine terminals across Newark Bay, the Kill Van Kull, and the Upper Bay. Container cargo moves through major terminals including Port Newark Container Terminal, Maher Terminals, APM Terminals Bayonne, and GCT Bayonne. Drayage at NY/NJ requires TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) cards for all drivers entering secure port areas, plus UIIA membership for chassis access. The port serves as the primary entry point for containerized goods destined for the Northeast US, including New York City, New England, and Mid-Atlantic markets. With rail connections via CSX and Norfolk Southern, NY/NJ is also an important intermodal hub. DrayLocator lists verified drayage carriers operating in New Jersey and New York with FMCSA-verified fleet and safety data.
PANYNJ Compliance Requirements
- TWIC Cards: All drivers entering secure terminal areas at NY/NJ must hold a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by TSA.
- UIIA Membership: Required for chassis access at most NY/NJ terminals. The port operates shared chassis pools managed through the UIIA agreement.
- Port Authority Drayage Registration: Some terminals require carriers to be pre-registered with the PANYNJ drayage program.
- NY Truck Route Compliance: Overweight permits and designated NYC truck routes apply for city deliveries. Carriers must know local restrictions.
Carriers Serving This Port
View all 359 ›Operating at the Port of New York / New Jersey: Key Context
NY/NJ is the dominant gateway for consumer goods entering the Northeast United States, including clothing, food products, electronics, and industrial equipment for the New York metropolitan market. The port handles a significant volume of wine and spirits from Europe, making temperature-controlled drayage a relevant specialization for local carriers. One of the most significant operational factors at NY/NJ is traffic: drayage turn times can vary dramatically depending on the time of day, terminal gate schedules, and overall port congestion. Carriers with local knowledge of Newark Bay area truck routes and familiarity with each terminal's specific gate system provide a material advantage. The port also has a substantial import auto business at Port Newark, distinct from the container operations. CSX intermodal connections from Port Newark enable efficient inland moves to Chicago, Detroit, and other Midwest markets. In recent years, the PANYNJ has invested in expanding gate hours and improving appointment systems to reduce truck congestion, which directly affects drayage carrier productivity and cost per move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do drayage drivers at the Port of New York need TWIC cards?
Yes. All drivers entering secure maritime facilities at the Port of New York and New Jersey must hold a valid TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) issued by the Transportation Security Administration. Carriers without TWIC-credentialed drivers cannot complete terminal gate-out procedures.
Which terminals are at the Port of New York / New Jersey?
The main container terminals are Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT), Maher Terminals, APM Terminals Bayonne, GCT Bayonne, and Red Hook Container Terminal in Brooklyn. Each terminal uses separate appointment systems and has different gate hours.
How do I find a UIIA-registered drayage carrier at NY/NJ?
Filter DrayLocator by New Jersey or New York and select UIIA Carriers. UIIA membership is essential at NY/NJ because most terminals do not provide street-turn chassis to carriers without an active UIIA agreement.
What is drayage to the Port of New York vs. from the port?
Import drayage moves containers from the terminal to your warehouse or distribution center. Export drayage delivers loaded containers to the terminal for vessel loading. Both require terminal gate appointments and TWIC-credentialed drivers. Rates vary by distance, chassis fees, and traffic conditions in the metro area.
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