Today, more than 80% of global shipping involves containers. They're packed with everything from personal storage items in dry containers to heavy machinery on flat rack containers. For business owners shipping products, getting a container from point A to point B requires precise planning and high-level tracking. But that's easier said than done when global supply chains become over-congested, leading to loading time issues and delays.
That's bad news for business owners who are already under a massive amount of stress. The truth is that container storage delays can cripple a business, but there's a viable solution: drayage brokers in Charlotte, NC like RelyEx. Drayage companies provide unique solutions to minimize demurrage and help ensure the successful delivery of your freight.
With more than 30 combined years of experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx has quickly become the first choice for streamlined, efficient drayage services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's offerings in the global logistics industry, it helps to understand first what drayage is and why it's used.
If you're a seasoned business owner who uses port drayage to transport your products, you know exactly how important the service can be. But if you were to poll a group of random people, you may get five different definitions of the term "drayage." That begs the question, how is one of the most crucial steps in the supply chain and most vital components of global trade such a confusing concept? When you break it down, it's not too difficult to grasp.
Drayage, by definition, means the transportation of freight from an ocean port to another destination. Today, drayage is also used to describe the process of transporting products and goods over short distances or over "the first mile."
While drayage often means short-distance movements during the supply chain process, it's primarily used in the container shipping space. Drayage loads usually have arrival and departure points in the same city and don't include long-haul, national transportation.
Because a drayage load can mean a few different things, confusion among carriers is common. Many carriers link drayage with going into a port, but that isn't always true. While all drayage loads typically originate from a port of entry, there are often several legs of a drayage journey before a container turns up at its final stop. Legs of a drayage load may include:
You may be thinking, what's so important about drayage? It's such a small step in the container storage transport process. In reality, it's an integral piece needed in the logistics industry and a crucial part of U.S. supply chain management.
To truly understand the importance of drayage, let's use flowers as an example. Most cut flower shipments enter the market from areas in South America until they end up at Dutch auction houses. Once there, wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk and send those products to retail outlets worldwide. Because flowers are perishable, they typically need to be refrigerated and are often shipped in reefer containers. These refrigerated vessels must maintain a certain temp to prevent loss.
Drayage companies like RelyEx allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services. Drayage companies allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind, because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services.
If port drayage is compromised, it can cause delays and even fines. You know the packages you get delivered to your front door from apps like Amazon? Without drayage and drayage brokers, one or two-day shipping times wouldn't even be possible.
As a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone, it seems like drayage shipping issues shouldn't exist. But the fact is inefficiencies and congestion are still major problems at ports. Whether it's a lack of carriers, absent chassis, or overburdened terminals, delays lead to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and worse.
But anytime challenges exist, so too do innovative solutions.
QUOTE REQUESTRelyEx was created because our founders saw a need in the logistics space for more reliability and efficiency. The reality of the shipping and logistics industry is that it has become very transactional. It's an odd evolution, because most businesses seek a third-party logistics partner that is accessible, transparent, and committed to providing solutions.
As the logistics space continues to grow, it creates newfound expenses and complexities. Clients like ours know that and need a supply chain partner who is genuinely interested in their business. By understanding the needs of our customers and carriers, we can provide the most reliable, effective drayage services possible.
Unlike some drayage companies in Charlotte, NC, we begin managing your containers before they ever hit the ports by mapping out the most efficient pathways of delivery. That way, our team can discover the best drayage pathways to expedite delivery time and reduce fees that cut into profits.
Our valued drayage customers choose RelyEx because:
At RelyEx, we like to consider ourselves problem solvers. The nature of the container drayage industry presents new challenges every day, but we're firm believers that there's a solution to every hurdle we encounter. And while some drayage businesses implement a reactive approach, RelyEx customers choose us for our proactive mindset. We take pride in solving your company's drayage challenges to help you avoid frustrating fees, missed expectations, and delayed shipments. We strive to make every transaction successful and streamlined by partnering with shippers who prioritize transparent, prompt, and accurate communication.
RelyEx approaches your business from the customer's perspective - a unique approach that helps us provide high-quality, effective drayage services. We've been in the customers' shoes, know their pain points, and because of that, provide first-hand solutions to stressful supply chain issues. With over 30 years of collective knowledge, our team excels in:
Our varied, high-level drayage shipping experience helps us achieve our overarching goal: expertly managing your freight movement needs. That way, you can direct your time and focus on growing the core aspects of your business while we handle the heavy lifting. Throw in proactive planning to avoid bottleneck situations and strong communication for transparent customer relations, and you can see why so many companies trust RelyEx.
When it comes to shipping logistics, it only takes one mistake by a mediocre worker to disrupt your business. That's why, at RelyEx, we pride ourselves on forming and nurturing relationships with carriers who match our standards of care. Our founding partner started his career transporting freight for companies as an on-demand carrier. He uses that knowledge to maximize the resources of our carriers so that our customer's expectations aren't just met - they're exceeded.
Based in the port city of Charlotte, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Customers choose RelyEx because:
Some drayage brokers don't care how customers feel about their service as long as they sign a contract and get paid. As a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx takes the opposite approach. We're motivated by the opportunity to overachieve for our customers and to provide them with the best logistics experience possible. With professional experience as carriers and shippers ourselves, we know the roadblocks and challenges you're facing. We excel at mapping out the best plans of action to solve those problems. But that's just the start.
Our tracking experts monitor and manage every aspect of your drayage shipment from booking to delivery, 24/7. Once booked, we look for the availability of your containers hourly once they're at port. When they arrive, our team acts quickly to access your storage containers when they're available.
Plus, RelyEx ensures your company's requirements are met by the carrier during loading and delivery and provide necessary documentation as fast as possible. With real-time tracking updates and access to our customer service professionals, your team has complete visibility throughout the shipping process.
Over the years, RelyEx has built a strong network of drayage carriers, transloading locations, and container storage spaces to provide you with the best possible options to match your drayage service needs. We know that searching for quality service presents an added layer of complexity and stress to our customers. That's why we work hard to take that off your plate by connecting you with our reliable shipping partners.
With a background moving freight as an on-demand carrier, our founding partner understands how to maximize the resources and equipment of our carriers to match your needs.
Like other industries, the global logistics space is complex. Mistakes will be made, and problems will happen. With those truths in mind, RelyEx has built its reputation as problem solvers. Unlike other drayage companies, we don't shy away from this industry's complexities because we take pride in solving problems. Even better, we aim to do what's needed to avoid those problems altogether.
As your logistics partner, we will provide your company with accurate, transparent, and prompt communication. If there are unexpected issues, we'll notify you immediately and will provide several options to remedy the problem. We even offer custom reporting for large clients who need at-the-moment updates and quick access to shipment documentation.
Why let the unpredictability of your industry dictate your success? With a background working in manufacturing, our founders are familiar with the demands of managing production schedules and sales orders. That experience makes it abundantly clear to us that every business and industry is different. If you struggle with seasonal surges or other factors, our team supports your business with a mapped-out plan and schedule, so you stay ahead of the game.
QUOTE REQUESTBased in the port city of Charlotte, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Demurrage is a charge issued by a port, carrier, or railroad company for storing containers that do not load and unload their cargo promptly. Once the daily limit of free time is exceeded, shippers are charged daily demurrage fees until their cargo is shipped. Though different ports have different policies, charges can range from $75 to $150 per container, per day, for a set number of days. Additional demurrage fees are incurred if a shipper exceeds the port's parameters.
Even when shippers maintain a tight schedule for unloading freight, external factors can play an uncontrollable part. Typically, shipping mistakes caused by human error trigger the most demurrage charges. Some of the most common causes of demurrage include:
Typically, shippers need four specific documents to clear shipments through customs: A Bill of Lading (or BOL), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an arrival notice. Seasoned drayage brokers like RelyEx are used to preparing these documents, but new shippers tend to miss this step due to inexperience.
If a shipper only pays for part of their shipment, a vessel operator may refuse to release their freight until their bill is fully paid. Payment delays lead to cargo detention at the port of entry, which triggers demurrage charges.
QUOTE REQUESTPaperwork is needed when you're shipping goods with a drayage company. When documents like the Certificate of Origin or Bill of Lading arrive at their destination late, you can expect demurrage fees. RelyEx avoids this situation entirely by being proactive when submitting paperwork.
Additional causes for demurrage fees can include:
At RelyEx, we know first-hand how stressful supply chain problems can be for business owners. Though drayage shipping might seem minor on the surface, it affects every stage of your shipping process. And when inevitable hurdles manifest, RelyEx propels you over the proverbial roadblocks with a proactive mindset and a passion for challenging projects. We believe that all problems have a solution, and our unique vantage point allows us to provide first-hand solutions to customers in a wide array of industries.
When it comes to your business, don't settle for anything less than RelyEx. Contact our office today to learn more about how we make your shipping experience streamlined and stress-free.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —Two construction workers are missing after a massive, five-alarm fire at an apartment complex under construction in the South Park area of Charlotte, North Carolina.Thick, black smoke could be seen for miles Thursday morning.Firefighters say it took more than 90 firefighters to fight the flames and 15 construction workers were rescued from the building."It was huge," said Kate Simmons, who lives in South Park. "The pictures were just terrifying."...
CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
Two construction workers are missing after a massive, five-alarm fire at an apartment complex under construction in the South Park area of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Thick, black smoke could be seen for miles Thursday morning.
Firefighters say it took more than 90 firefighters to fight the flames and 15 construction workers were rescued from the building.
"It was huge," said Kate Simmons, who lives in South Park. "The pictures were just terrifying."
Video below: Massive fire at construction site in Charlotte near SouthPark
A plume of thick, black smoke took over Charlotte skies Thursday morning, coming from a construction site that caught fire in the South Park area. That's right by South Park Mall.
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"I saw the building in flames," said construction worker Alejandro Quiroja. "I saw the building coming down. It was scary."
Quiroja is one of about 100 construction workers that's been tending to the site since January. He says the first started on the second floor, he was on the first floor at the time.
"They started getting out and screaming, 'Get out, get out!' Because the building was on fire," Quiroja said.
Quiroja said the flames took over quickly. Within an hour, the entire building had caught fire.
"It was just scary," he said.
Video below: More video of the Charlotte fire
Those who live and work nearby could do nothing but watch and wait, hoping and praying for the best.
"We saw a big plume of black smoke around 9:15 this morning, so we started walking over from the office," said Caroline Dollard, who works in the South Park area. "And we saw big, big yellow flames shooting up from this apartment building."
"It's really sad," Simmons said. "I see all these gentlemen sitting out here, and I am just hoping they and all their friends and workers got out safely."
Charlotte Fire Department
Firefighter looks up at flames billowing out of a structure in Charlotte, N.C.
More than 90 firefighters heroically rescued 15 workers from the construction site, including one on a crane at the top.
"We rescued 15 people from the fire," said Charlotte Fire Department Chief Reginald Johnson. "And the men and women of this department put themselves in harm's way and had to call for assistance themselves to get out of this fire. That's how fast it was moving."
Massive fire at a construction site in Charlotte.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Johnson told media crews Thursday there were even several 'maydays' involved in the rescue. That's when crews get trapped or have access issues escaping due to how quickly the fire is moving.
The 24-date run kicks off in Noblesville, IN, on July 8, and includes a stop at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, July 29.CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Post Malone is set to embark on his North America with the ‘If Y'all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying’ Tour and will be making a stop in Charlotte this summer....
The 24-date run kicks off in Noblesville, IN, on July 8, and includes a stop at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, July 29.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Post Malone is set to embark on his North America with the ‘If Y'all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying’ Tour and will be making a stop in Charlotte this summer.
According to a Live Nation release, the 2023 North America run will give fans his signature exhilarating performance with music from his upcoming album as well as fan favorites in a completely reimagined show.
The 24-date run kicks off in Noblesville, IN, on July 8, and includes a stop at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, July 29.
“I love y’all so very much and I’m so excited to get out and do some more shows for y’all. Help me put a baby through college and come on out," Post said to his fans. "Some cool new production, new songs, and a very very handsome man up on stage. Sending love to you and yours."
Tickets will be available starting with a Citi presale beginning on Wednesday, May 17 at 10 am. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning on Friday, May 19 at 10 am at livenation.com
Sat Jul 08 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Sun Jul 09 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Tue Jul 11 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Wed Jul 12 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Fri Jul 14 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sat Jul 15 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Mon Jul 17 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Wed Jul 19 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Sat Jul 22 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sun Jul 23 – Hartford, CT– XFINITY Theatre
Tue Jul 25 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Wed Jul 26 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Sat Jul 29 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Mon Jul 31 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 01 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Thu Aug 03 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 05 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Tue Aug 08 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Thu Aug 10 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Sat Aug 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sun Aug 13 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 15 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 16 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 19 – San Bernardino, CA – Glen Helen Amphitheater
Some North Carolina housing markets are among the most overpriced in the country, including Charlotte, a new report says.Home prices have continually risen as the spring home-buying season continues, up an estimated 39.5% from February to March, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.According to a...
Some North Carolina housing markets are among the most overpriced in the country, including Charlotte, a new report says.
Home prices have continually risen as the spring home-buying season continues, up an estimated 39.5% from February to March, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
According to a report from Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University, the city ranked eighth on the list of the top 100 U.S. metro housing markets considered overvalued at 43.2%.
Using data from Zillow and other housing providers, researchers compiled a list of overpriced or underpriced metropolitan cities in the U.S. that highlights the average premium or discounts that homeowners have paid in each metro in recent years.
The findings show that in March, the average home price in Charlotte was $361,080, but the expected price was $252,150.
In addition to Charlotte, Winston, Greensboro, and Durham also ranked among the top 20 overpriced housing markets in the U.S.
Here’s how North Carolina cities compared to other top metros across the country:
Rank | Metro | Percent overvalued |
1 | Atlanta, GA | 49.71% |
2 | Detroit, MI | 45.91% |
3 | Cape Coral, FL | 45.34% |
4 | Tampa, FL | 45.18% |
5 | North Port, FL | 44.63% |
6 | Memphis, TN | 44.15% |
7 | Lakeland, FL | 43.63% |
8 | Charlotte, NC | 43.20% |
9 | Palm Bay, FL | 41.91% |
10 | Jacksonville, FL | 41.58% |
11 | Deltona, FL | 40.62% |
12 | Winston, NC | 40.53% |
13 | Orlando, FL | 40.15% |
14 | Miami, FL | 39.38% |
15 | Las Vegas, NV | 37.90% |
16 | Greensboro, NC | 37.64% |
17 | Knoxville, TN | 37.18% |
18 | Durham, NC | 36.43% |
19 | Grand Rapids, MI | 36.43% |
20 | Phoenix, AZ | 36.28% |
This story was originally published May 15, 2023, 2:37 PM.
A 2.1 magnitude earthquake registered near Pineville on Friday, government seismologists confirmed.The quake struck just before 6 a.m. and was centered 0.7 miles from Pineville and 10 miles south of Charlotte, the USGS reported. Its center was just over 6 miles northeast of Fort Mill, according to the USGS.The earthquake had zero depth, the USGS reported.No injuries or damage were reported.While the...
A 2.1 magnitude earthquake registered near Pineville on Friday, government seismologists confirmed.
The quake struck just before 6 a.m. and was centered 0.7 miles from Pineville and 10 miles south of Charlotte, the USGS reported. Its center was just over 6 miles northeast of Fort Mill, according to the USGS.
The earthquake had zero depth, the USGS reported.
No injuries or damage were reported.
While there’s no single magnitude above which damage occurs, damage typically results when the earthquake magnitude reaches somewhere above 4 or 5, according to the USGS.
No one has yet reported feeling Friday’s quake, according to the USGS.
The USGS asks that anyone who felt the quake to report it on Earthquake.USGS.gov.
Typically, earthquakes below magnitude 2.0 can be felt if the quake is shallow enough and if people are very close to its epicenter, according to VolcanoDiscovery.com.
On Jan. 28, a 1.8 magnitude earthquake registered in the North Carolina mountains near Virginia, federal seismologists said.
The quake struck was centered about 6 miles miles northwest of West Jefferson and 13 miles west-southwest of Boone, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
The earthquake had a depth of 2.36 miles, according to the USGS.
Jan. 10, a 1.2 magnitude earthquake registered in western Catawba County, the Observer reported at the time.
The quake was centered about 3.7 miles southeast of the community of Mountain View, the USGS reported. The earthquake had a depth of 2.17 miles, according to the USGS.
In May 2022, a 2.2 earthquake struck southeast of the town of Catawba, also in Catawba County.
About three years ago, Sparta, North Carolina, experienced a 5.1 magnitude earthquake that researchers recently discovered left a “rupture” in the ground more than 1.5 miles long, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
Major earthquakes are rare in North Carolina, but seismic events can happen any time of the year, according to the N.C. Division of Environmental Quality.
This story was originally published May 12, 2023, 12:49 PM.
Perhaps no one realized, at the moment, how apt the metaphor was.Carolina Panthers leadership was hosting quarterback Bryce Young for dinner during the pre-draft process when offensive coordinator Thomas Brown posed a seemingly straightforward question.“You finish Saturday night, you guys play a big game,” Brown said. “Take me through ...
Perhaps no one realized, at the moment, how apt the metaphor was.
Carolina Panthers leadership was hosting quarterback Bryce Young for dinner during the pre-draft process when offensive coordinator Thomas Brown posed a seemingly straightforward question.
“You finish Saturday night, you guys play a big game,” Brown said. “Take me through Sunday, through the next game.”
Brown expected a standard five-minute summary.
Young began with Sunday, before explaining his wakeup and meeting rhythm on Monday, and then clarifying which parts of the game plan he would study then and which on Tuesday, and then—
“We’re 17 minutes in and it’s Wednesday,” Brown laughed. “And I said, ‘Hey. Stop, dog. I’m good. I appreciate the detail.’”
The questions have changed and the job interview has evolved into a collegial partnership, but halfway through May, the Panthers are still asking the first overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft to embrace the mindset he (over)detailed at dinner: one day at a time.
“It’s a day-by-day process,” Young said last weekend at minicamp. “We’ve talked a lot about that as a team.”
“From a day-to-day standpoint,” Brown echoed this week, “obviously Andy [Dalton]’s our starter right now. … But what’s today, Tuesday? Tomorrow’s another day. We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Before Panthers fans know it, Young will be under center.
Rookie minicamp delivered the expected, if premature, hype.
Coaches and teammates lauded Young’s decision-making, accuracy and timing. They praised how the notoriously 5-foot-10 quarterback recited plays from memory, engineered a clean operation and found his targets.
The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner who started 27 games at Alabama and won 23 says he’s primarily concerned with developing comfort in the system, absorbing coaching and committing verbiage to memory. But Panthers practice film study reviews showed more than Young’s mechanics and release.
“You watch the film back and you see how he manipulates zone defenders with his eyes and subtle arm twitches to open up a huge window,” one source told Yahoo Sports on condition of anonymity. “And you’re like, ‘Wow, that’s not normal for a rookie and really advanced.’”
Less flashy but as impressive to Panthers brass was Young avoiding fumbled snaps despite the transition from playing out of the shotgun in college to lining up under center.
Rookie minicamp, by definition, breeds growing pains.
Panthers senior assistant Jim Caldwell, whose NFL coaching résumé includes seven years as a head coach and two more at offensive coordinator, told Brown this was the first time he remembered a rookie minicamp without balls on the ground — "which is a huge deal,” Caldwell said.
Another huge deal awaits.
Because with nearly four months remaining until the Panthers begin their regular-season slate against the Atlanta Falcons, the 12-year veteran Dalton remains their starter in name.
Still, even cautious coaches can’t help but tip what’s imminent and obvious.
Panthers head coach and play-caller Frank Reich said Dalton will begin offseason activities this week as the club’s first-team quarterback.
Young will work with the second team.
And yet …
“Bryce is going to get a lot of reps — likely even get a few more than Andy as the new guy,” Reich said. “We’ll focus on getting Bryce, as the younger player, as many reps as he can.”
Brown then said “Andy’s our starter right now” but “Bryce is getting a lot of reps with the ones [first team] and twos [second].”
Dalton’s nine years quarterbacking the Cincinnati Bengals give the Panthers an easy explanation for why he doesn’t need as many foundational snaps at practice; his three years since spending a season each with the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints offer an easy excuse for why the player whom Reich described as a “savvy veteran” will be just fine adjusting to a new scheme.
Young will welcome the chance to learn.
“Feeling out how routes are supposed to be, how things are supposed to be read, understanding the system,” he said. “I’m learning the system and watching film and seeing how things operate and learning so much from the coaches. I want to do everything that they ask of me. I want my signature to be executing the plays, whatever the coaches call.”
How soon will they call for the Panthers’ de facto starter to also assume the mantle as starter in name? Before Week 1, as long as he’s healthy, undoubtedly. By training camp, too, is a fair guess.
As for the next few weeks of offseason practice? The plan remains a mystery but also is already in motion. As long as Young gets the reps, his teammates will understand his position. And the more he gets reps, the more ready he’ll be to officially earn his NFL starting role.
“When he’s ready, when it’s best for the team,” Reich said. “That’s when we’ll look to make that transition.”