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 Oklahoma City, OK 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 Oklahoma City, OK, 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 Oklahoma City, 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 Oklahoma City, 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.
A theme park with an estimated $2 billion price tag is coming to the Midwest — and its location may surprise you.The 1,000-acre development, named the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, is scheduled to open in 2026 in the northeastern Oklahoma city of Vinita, according to a news release Thursday from the Missouri-based Mansion Entertainment Group, which is heading up the project.The amusement park itself will cover 125 acr...
A theme park with an estimated $2 billion price tag is coming to the Midwest — and its location may surprise you.
The 1,000-acre development, named the American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, is scheduled to open in 2026 in the northeastern Oklahoma city of Vinita, according to a news release Thursday from the Missouri-based Mansion Entertainment Group, which is heading up the project.
The amusement park itself will cover 125 acres, which according to developers is comparable in size to Florida's Magic Kingdom and Disneyland in California.
It will have an Americana-themed environment with "a variety of entertaining rides, live shows, family attractions, waterways as well as restaurant-quality food and beverage offerings," Mansion Entertainment said.
It will also include rides and shows in "six distinctly American lands:" the Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis.
In addition to the amusement park, American Heartland will feature a 300-room hotel, indoor water park and an adjacent 320-acre RV park, and a 300-cabin campground named Three Ponies.
The park's design team includes more than 20 Disney Parks builders and Walt Disney Imagineers, according to the Mansion Entertainment. It also hired design firms that have been used in the past by other major amusement parks, including Six Flags and Universal Studios.
Once open, developers expect the park to attract two million visitors per year, according to Kristy Adams, a sales and marketing executive with the Mansion Entertainment.
Oklahoma state Sen. Micheal Bergstrom said in a statement through Mansion Entertainment that the park will add at least 4,000 jobs provide a boost to the state's tourism economy.
"We are thrilled to make Oklahoma the home of American Heartland Theme Park and Resort," American Heartland CEO Larry Wilhite said in a statement. "At the crossroads of the heartland, Oklahoma is an attractive location for a family entertainment destination."
Simrin Singh is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A long-awaited bridge that opened in Oklahoma City last month has run into a problem....
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A long-awaited bridge that opened in Oklahoma City last month has run into a problem.
In June, News 4 covered the ribbon-cutting for the Pedestrian Bridge over the Northwest Expressway at MacArthur. Funding for the bridge dates way back to 2007 and construction started in 2021.
After the recent opening, some residents are concerned seeing construction near the bridge.
“We don’t have any advertising space anymore and that was a big thing for us,” said Don Schrader, an assistant manager at CDR Electronics. “We thought about putting a giant gorilla up there but we’re not there yet.”
He says this new bridge construction has partially blocked the store’s visibility on a busy street and blocked one of their entrances temporarily.
“But we really feel like the way we do business, it will ultimately win out and it will overcome any obstructions that we’re having to deal with right now,” Schrader said.
The city tells us it is working on a portion of the bridge that’s not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Those who live nearby say crossing this intersection without the bridge can be very dangerous, especially for those with disabilities.
“There was a disabled lady on a small scooter,” said Donald Annoh, who lives a couple of blocks away. “It was really risky for her.”
While work is underway to get the bridge up to code, it is still open. The city says it is safe to use – not stopping some that use it multiple times per day.
“I really don’t mind that it’s under construction still,” said Monty Hall, who crosses the bridge to get to work. “It still works for me.”
The city tells us they found the portion that was not ADA compliant in a post-construction inspection.
The contractor added the temporary shoring under the bridge as plans are developed to address that section.
Notices will be made if scheduled work will close the walkway.
Below is the full statement from a City of Oklahoma City employee:
“A post construction inspection of the walkway found that a section appeared to be out of ADA compliance. Further inspection by the contractor and engineer determined that temporary shoring be placed under the section until additional investigation could be completed. The engineer is completing the additional investigation, and plans are being developed to address section of walkway that is out of compliance. A timeline has not yet been determined for any additional work. The bridge and walkway will remain open, and notices will be made when work is scheduled that may require closure of the walkway.”
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It may be summertime, but soon enough K-12 Oklahoma students will be returning to school.Districts resume classes all throughout August. Here's a list of when school districts in the metro resume classes so you can be ready:Bethany Public SchoolsClasses start Aug. 3. Check out the full academic calendar at ...
It may be summertime, but soon enough K-12 Oklahoma students will be returning to school.
Districts resume classes all throughout August. Here's a list of when school districts in the metro resume classes so you can be ready:
Classes start Aug. 3. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.bethanyschools.com
Classes start Aug. 15. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.cnpschools.org/information/calendars
Classes start Aug. 10. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.deercreekschools.org/calendar
Classes start Aug. 17. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.edmondschools.net/page/calendar
Classes start Aug. 21. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.epiccharterschools.org/calendar
Classes start Aug. 9. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.mid-del.net/o/mchs/article/620877
Classes start Aug. 15. Check out the full academic calendar here.
Classes start Aug. 10. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.mooreschools.com
Classes start Aug. 11. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.mustangps.org/explore/mps-calendar-pdf
Classes start Aug. 17. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.normanpublicschools.org
Classes start Aug. 10. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.okcps.org/calendars
Classes start Aug. 10. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.piedmontschools.org/district/calendars
Classes start Aug. 10. Check out the full academic calendar here.
Classes start Aug. 3. Check out the full academic calendar at http://santafesouth.org/
Classes start Aug. 10. Check out the full academic calendar here.
Classes start Aug. 16. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.westernheights.k12.ok.us/district/calendar
Classes start Aug. 17. Check out the full academic calendar at https://www.yukonps.com/calendar
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – When a parent goes to prison, unfortunately, their children may someday follow that path. Growing up with a parent in prison can create an unstable upbringing, and often leads to a cycle – a family curse – called “generational incarceration.”However, one school in Oklahoma City, designed exclusively for kids growing up with a loved one behind bars, is teaching students to succeed by breaking that cycle. ...
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – When a parent goes to prison, unfortunately, their children may someday follow that path. Growing up with a parent in prison can create an unstable upbringing, and often leads to a cycle – a family curse – called “generational incarceration.”
However, one school in Oklahoma City, designed exclusively for kids growing up with a loved one behind bars, is teaching students to succeed by breaking that cycle.
“I want to write music and go on tour, and travel the world playing music,” Marcus Flores said. Marcus is one of 29 students at Little Light Christian School, who was born into a life shackled by the chains of generational incarceration.
“I come from a dark place,” he said. “It was tough for me. Both my parents have been to prison. I have plenty of uncles and aunts that have been to prison, I had a grandmother who served about five years.”
Because of that devastating, downward cycle, four years ago, Marcus and his younger sister, Nina, were enrolled at Little Light Christian School – a free, non-profit, private school, funded by donations.
“I will be the first person to graduate high school in my family,” Marcus said.
It is here where Marcus learned to play the electric guitar, taught by music teacher Ernie Tullis.
“Marcus is just… I love that boy like he was mine,” Ernie said.
“Mr. Ernie,” as the kids call him, knows all too well the extra load his students carry. He was once one of them.
“I speak their language,” said Mr. Ernie.
Ernie left home at 16, hitchhiked to New Orleans, and got a job playing piano at a bar on Bourbon Street. That’s where, surrounded by sin, Ernie found God, became a minister – and broke free. He says generations of family felons ended with him.
“You can break chains, you can change your family tree,” said Ernie. “One of my favorite verses in the Bible that I tell the kids all the time and just speak into them, is that someday your kids and your grandkids will say, ‘We are blessed and you are blessed, because you took us a different way.'”
After decades of teaching, Ernie now has 85 former students playing music in churches across the globe in four countries, and one current student playing in Choctaw, Oklahoma.
At 18, Marcus is the youngest member of the praise band at Choctaw Road Baptist Church, where he shares the stage with Mr. Ernie, who plays the keys.
Next to the young man Ernie loves like his own, is Ernie’s son Caleb, on the drums. All of Ernie’s sons play in churches. He’s a very proud dad, just like Marcus’ father, whose complete transformation after prison led to Marcus’ strong faith.
“He did a complete 180 for me and my sister,” Marcus said of his father. “I think, to this day, that’s why I believe. Because God can take something that’s so wrong and turn it into something good.”
What started as a wrench thrown into the mix of Marcus’ young life, is changing course. He strums his own tune now, rewriting the one life handed him. Marcus has seven original songs ready to track at Mr. Ernie’s recording studio this summer.
“He’s very gifted,” Ernie said.
Marcus will be a senior this fall, and in 2024, he will walk the stage with not only his family’s first high school diploma, but also with a college associate’s degree, after taking a full load of concurrent classes.
“I will be the first to graduate, I will be the first to go to college, so it’s a bunch of chains that I’m already breaking in that cycle. It’s amazing because I get to show them, ‘Hey, here’s the mess, and here’s me,’ and I’m going to turn from that and steer us in a different direction,” Marcus said.
Mr. Ernie boasted, “The sky is the limit with that one. He can be as good as he wants to be. He’s just on fire.” A fire, that already burns so brightly, and sparked from the help of one “Little Light.”
“It just comes to show what God can do,” said Marcus, smiling.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Plans are in the works for a world-class 12,000 seat outdoor amphitheater to be built in Oklahoma City.It’ll be located in the Mustang Creek Crossing development, off of the John Kilpatrick Turnpike and I-40. LOCAL NEWS: What are those white mushrooms in your yard after the rai...
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Plans are in the works for a world-class 12,000 seat outdoor amphitheater to be built in Oklahoma City.
It’ll be located in the Mustang Creek Crossing development, off of the John Kilpatrick Turnpike and I-40.
“It is our great pleasure to welcome The Sunset Amphitheater to Mustang Creek Crossing,” said Sam Coury, principal owner of Mustang Creek Crossing. “Our family strives to grow this district into an entertainment and experience hub for the city’s west side and encourage investment for a stay and play destination that families from across the state and region will embrace.”
Coury, along with Carol Courey Hefner have joined forces with Notes Live, a Colorado-based live entertainment company for the project.
“I can tell you one thing, it’d be the most luxurious amphitheater ever built in Oklahoma,” said JW Roth, the CEO of Notes Live. “We’re just super excited about it. It’s going to be awesome.”
The project will feature 120 luxury fire pit suites, a landscaped grass berm, traditional reserved seating, and premium hospitality offerings.
“It’s super high end in terms of its amenities, food and beverage. It has, I believe it has 12 Super suites, corporate suites,” said Roth.
Roth added that the amphitheater will also greatly help the city’s economy.
“It’s going to bring up roughly $110 to $125 million a year to the economy here,” said Roth. “It’s awesome for home values. It’s awesome for business values. It’s awesome for the economy.”
In a statement, Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell weighed in on the project saying, “I am thrilled about the partnership between Notes Live and Mustang Creek Crossing in bringing The Sunset Amphitheater to our great state. This state-of-the-art venue will not only enhance our entertainment landscape but will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and tourism. With its capacity to host the largest touring acts in the country, The Sunset will draw music enthusiasts from far and wide. Oklahoma’s allure as a premier entertainment destination is growing stronger, and the Sunset Amphitheater will be a testament to our commitment to providing unforgettable moments for residents and visitors alike.”
Notes Live plans to break ground in early 2024 and have the outdoor amphitheater open in time for Summer 2025 tours.