Field Notes from the Port of Houston

Practical drayage knowledge,
straight from daily operations.

Clear explanations of how container moves actually work at the Port of Houston — written for shippers, brokers, and drivers who want fewer surprises.

Browse by topic

Port Operations
Terminal procedures, wait times, and gate realities
Equipment & Chassis
Chassis splits, availability, and accessorials
Demurrage & Detention
How charges happen and practical ways to reduce them
Storage & Yards
Yard management, checks, and inventory practices
Driver Perspective
What the job actually looks like day to day

Port Playbooks & Guides

8 guides in development
Port Operations

How Container Terminal Wait Times Are Measured

A clear explanation of how dwell time is actually captured at major ports using GPS, geofences, and operational data — and why the numbers can vary.

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Equipment & Chassis

Understanding Chassis Splits in Port Drayage

What chassis splits are, why they occur, how they affect total cost, and what shippers and brokers should know when planning moves.

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Demurrage & Detention

Common Causes of Demurrage and Detention Charges

The real-world reasons containers accrue charges at the Port of Houston and practical steps to reduce exposure on both import and export moves.

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Driver Perspective

What "Home Every Night" Actually Means for Local Drayage Drivers

An honest look at schedules, variability, and lifestyle for drivers who work container drayage out of Bayport and Barbours Cut.

Coming soon
Port Operations

Bayport vs. Barbours Cut: Key Operational Differences

A practical comparison of the two main container terminals at the Port of Houston from the perspective of truck flow, gate procedures, and typical dwell.

Coming soon
Port Operations

The Basics of Bonded Freight and In-Bond Container Moves

How bonded and in-bond moves work, when they make sense, and what documentation and timing considerations matter most.

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Storage & Yards

Why Photo Documentation Matters in Container Storage

The role of yard checks and time-stamped photos in protecting cargo, resolving disputes, and maintaining clear records for stored containers.

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Port Operations

Reading Congestion Signals at Container Terminals

Observable indicators that experienced operators watch for when deciding whether to push a move today or adjust timing.

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All content is general educational information about drayage operations. No customer-specific or proprietary details are included.