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 Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach, VA, 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 Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, 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.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department worked late into the night to put out the fire on Atlantic Avenue.VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Editor's note: The story has been updated with clarification on the investigation into the fire, saying the location of where the fire started is unclear.A three-alarm fire at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Tuesday evening left several businesses destroyed and required a response of more than 75 firefighters.The Virginia Beach Fire Department worked late into the...
The Virginia Beach Fire Department worked late into the night to put out the fire on Atlantic Avenue.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Editor's note: The story has been updated with clarification on the investigation into the fire, saying the location of where the fire started is unclear.
A three-alarm fire at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront Tuesday evening left several businesses destroyed and required a response of more than 75 firefighters.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department worked late into the night to put out the fire on Atlantic Avenue. It was deemed out around 10:45 p.m., but firefighters continued to search for hotspots into Wednesday morning.
READ MORE: Virginia Beach restaurant owner loses 'American dream' after losing business in Oceanfront fire
It's unknown what caused the fire at this time, but fire officials say they've ruled out arson. Here's a look at what 13News Now has gathered about the fire so far:
The fire badly damaged the T-Shirt Factory, the Maple Tree Pancake & Waffle House, King of the Sea Restaurant, and Lyfestyle Meals. All occupants were accounted for and safe, but the severity of the damage is hitting businesses hard.
READ MORE: Oceanfront businesses grapple with loss after massive Virginia Beach fire
One firefighter was taken to the hospital because of a burn injury.
A spokesperson for the Virginia Beach Fire Department said that firefighters started battling the blaze at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the T-Shirt Factory.
In a clarification Thursday, fire officials said the location of where the fire started is unclear. Deputy Fire Marshall Jim Ingledue said while his team saw smoke coming from the T-Shirt Factory, the exact place where it started is unknown.
Shortly before 6:40 p.m., as the fire spread to neighboring businesses, the response was upgraded to a three-alarm.
READ MORE: Community shocked after businesses destroyed by fire
Virginia Beach Fire Chief Ken Pravetz said this fire has been difficult to fight because of all the "void spaces."
After the fire was deemed out, firefighters were fighting outbreaks, using backhoes to pull the rubble and debris apart so they could get to hot spots throughout the night.
Firefighters finally began clearing out at around 5:20 a.m. Wednesday, but crews remain to put out potential hotspots.
The owners of the T-Shirt Factory told 13News Now they do not believe the fire originated at their store.
Capt. Jim Ingledue, the Virginia Beach deputy fire marshal, said the building where the fire happened is more than 60 years old and the structure made it challenging to battle the blaze.
Because owners renovated the businesses several times over the years, it has several ceilings from the add-ons to the structure, according to Ingledue.
This created layers for fire crews to have to demolish in order to get to the heart of the fire. Firefighters couldn't work directly on top of the roof because of the danger of collapsing.
"We say all the time, 'we're chasing this fire' because it's spreading but you can't really tell where it's going, because you can't really see where it's going," Ingledue said. "It's a very difficult type of fire to fight and the firefighters worked really hard."
Ingledue added that the Virginia Beach Fire Department has a lot of work to do to investigate what happened.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department worked late into the night to put out the fire, which started at the T-Shirt Factory on Atlantic Avenue.VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Less than a day after a massive fire at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront destroyed several businesses, people in the community are taken back by what happened.The Virginia Beach Fire Department worked late into the night to put out the fire, on Atlantic Avenue. It was out by 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, but firefighters are continuing to search for hotspots Wednesday....
The Virginia Beach Fire Department worked late into the night to put out the fire, which started at the T-Shirt Factory on Atlantic Avenue.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Less than a day after a massive fire at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront destroyed several businesses, people in the community are taken back by what happened.
The Virginia Beach Fire Department worked late into the night to put out the fire, on Atlantic Avenue. It was out by 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, but firefighters are continuing to search for hotspots Wednesday.
READ MORE: What we know about the massive Virginia Beach Oceanfront fire
It's unknown what caused the fire at this time.
On Wednesday morning, crews with Virginia Beach Fire Department were still putting out hotspots.
Mark Crane, a Virginia Beach resident who lives across the street from the burnt-down building, said it was hard to see outside.
“Around 9 o'clock, you couldn’t stand outside," Crane told 13News Now. "It was smokey [and] went right into your clothes. You couldn’t be outside, You just couldn’t."
“On the day before yesterday, people were super friendly in the store [T-Shirt Factory]. Same thing with the restaurant, we just ate there [King of the Sea] Monday night,” Frank Simmons, who was on vacation for his third time to Virginia Beach this summer, said.
"Now to see it gone, just mind-blowing,” he added.
Marcus Jordan isn’t sure what he’ll do next, after working his way up from dishwasher to cook at the Maple Tree Pancake House, a place he’s worked for almost 40 years.
"You just got to be positive, everything will work out,” Jordan said, seeing his place of work burnt down for the first time Wednesday morning.
“As long as everybody is safe,” he added.
John Vakos Sr., the property owner, spent time Wednesday surveying the damage and trying to turn the water off to the building, as he figures out his next moves.
His father built the property more than 60 years ago.
READ MORE: Businesses damaged in Virginia Beach Oceanfront fire grapple with loss
“Everything has a life including buildings," Vakos told 13News Now.
He also owns the building right behind the destruction, which houses Lyfestyle Meals along with four apartments upstairs. He moved the people living there to a nearby hotel overnight, but only one unit appears to have significant damage.
He said his heart goes out to his longtime tenants who lost their businesses in the fire.
“I feel sorry for some of the people who lost their future income," Vakos said. "It’s like you have a restaurant and you work there for a huge number of years. You try to sell it when you retire, but you have nothing to sell.”
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Crews with the Virginia Beach Fire Department continued working late into the night trying to contain, then dealing with the aftermath of a massive, stubborn fire at the Oceanfront on Tuesday afternoon that resulted in the fire department issuing three alarms.A spokesperson for the fire department said that firefighters started battling the blaze at around 5:30 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue. That's near the Holiday Inn Express and Hyatt...
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Crews with the Virginia Beach Fire Department continued working late into the night trying to contain, then dealing with the aftermath of a massive, stubborn fire at the Oceanfront on Tuesday afternoon that resulted in the fire department issuing three alarms.
A spokesperson for the fire department said that firefighters started battling the blaze at around 5:30 p.m. on Atlantic Avenue. That's near the Holiday Inn Express and Hyatt House at the Oceanfront.
RELATED: What we know about the massive Virginia Beach Oceanfront fire
Shortly before 6:40 p.m., as the fire spread to neighboring businesses, the response was upgraded to a three-alarm.
Virginia Beach Fire Chief Ken Pravetz said this fire has been difficult to fight because of all the "void spaces."
"There’s multi-layer roofs in there. There’s parapin walls. There’s a roof that’s below another roof line so the fire is in a lot of hidden spots," he said. "Basically we’re chasing it around."
Pacific Avenue and Atlantic Avenue were closed from 25th to 28th Street. People were asked to avoid the area.
Heather Traver lives in the apartment complex adjacent to the fire, and says she immediately got her kids and went outside.
"That’s my building so hopefully all is good," she said, "but I’m so sorry for the businesses. It’s completely lost I’m sure."
William Adams of Poquoson recounted what he saw.
"We were at a big [dinner] table. We look out, and there's a burst of smoke. It's everywhere, we just see it and we were confused," said Adams.
Bird’s eye view of the firefighters still working to knock this fire down @13NewsNow pic.twitter.com/suK7pmUJw5
— Sarah Hammond (@SarahHammondTV) July 11, 2023
Michael Billing of Michigan recalled his family's experience.
"We walked down the stairs and we smelled it immediately. It's strong, very strong. my wife was actually coughing because she felt how bad it was," said Billing.
Kristin Miller of Pennsylvania told 13News Now about the hazy view from her room at Holiday Inn Express.
"Can't see stop anything past the smoke up there. It had kind of calmed down for a few minutes, but all of a sudden the smoke started to billow again," Miller said.
The heavy emergency response blocked in some parked cars, too.
Still, families were willing to adjust or wait things out.
"Trying to enjoy our vacation, but again, our hearts and thoughts go out to the families and the business owners absolutely," Miller added.
The major fire was reported as out at 10:45 p.m. More than 75 firefighters responded to the fire.
Firefighters were fighting outbreaks, using backhoes to pull the rubble and debris apart so they could get to hot spots throughout the night. There were still about 60 firefighters working hard to get this fire out.
No civilians were injured. One firefighter was taken to the hospital because of a burn injury.
As of reporter updates, firefighters finally began clearing out at around 5:20 a.m. but crews remain to put out potential hotspots. The aftermath of the fire shows businesses badly damaged and some completely burnt to the ground.
The fire badly damaged the T-Shirt Factory, the Maple Tree Pancake & Waffle House, King of the Sea Restaurant, and Lyfestyle Meals. All occupants of the businesses were accounted for and safe.
It's unknown what caused the fire at this time.
The fireworks caused excessive damage to several boats that were docked in the harbor, according to fire officials.VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach Fire Department is investigating an illegal fireworks display that happened at Rudee Inlet on Monday.The fireworks went off in the area at around 10:30 p.m. and caused excessive damage to several boats that were docked in the harbor, according to fire officials. The department ...
The fireworks caused excessive damage to several boats that were docked in the harbor, according to fire officials.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Beach Fire Department is investigating an illegal fireworks display that happened at Rudee Inlet on Monday.
The fireworks went off in the area at around 10:30 p.m. and caused excessive damage to several boats that were docked in the harbor, according to fire officials. The department shared a video of the display.
"The fireworks display was not sanctioned or granted a permit by the City of Virginia Beach nor the Virginia Beach Fire Prevention Bureau," the fire department wrote in a news release.
Fireworks are illegal across Virginia. There are exceptions, like for professionals who go through an approval process.
In this case at Rudee Inlet, fire investigator Steven Huey told 13News Now the fireworks appeared high-end; however, the person or persons who set them off would never have received permission even if they applied.
"A professional fireworks person would have never chosen that spot and never would have fired under those conditions," said Huey.
Huey described winds at roughly nine miles per house coming out of the south or southwest at the time.
"[That] pushed most of the debris from the fireworks right over the marina, did various amounts of damage to about 30 different boats," said Huey.
Reports of damage are coming from people who dock at the marina attached to Rudee's Restaurant and Cabana Bar, according to Huey. Their concerns range from burn marks to damaged coatings and coverings.
"Not to mention, there's a fuel pump there at the marina that also had various chunks of fireworks laying all over it as well," said Huey. "If you get a burning ember to land in the wrong spot, you may have a disaster on your hands. It is not the most likely scenario to happen, but it is certainly a possibility."
13News Now also asked Huey why this particular act is under such a microscope compared to other reports of illegal fireworks displays.
"I've gotten far more phone calls about this one than I did any other. In fact, I don't know if I'd received any complaints of damage to any extent, let alone the amount of damage received at the marina," he said.
And he added that whoever is held responsible faces a $2,500 fine and one year in jail.
To further put this case into perspective, even pinwheels and sparklers are prohibited in Virginia Beach.
Anyone with information about the display or anyone that was involved is asked to reach out to the Fire Prevention Bureau by calling 757-385-4228 or emailing them.
People can also leave an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-562-5887 or online using P3 Tips.
By Gabby Jimenez | gabrielle.jimenez@virginiamedia.com | Staff writerDeveloper Gale Higgs, known for building The Marina at Marina Shores at Lynnhaven Inlet with her late husband more than 30 years ago, has had a variety of projects since then, including operating the Kane Marie Fine Arts Gallery, which closed in 2008.The Virginia Beach native no...
By Gabby Jimenez | gabrielle.jimenez@virginiamedia.com | Staff writer
Developer Gale Higgs, known for building The Marina at Marina Shores at Lynnhaven Inlet with her late husband more than 30 years ago, has had a variety of projects since then, including operating the Kane Marie Fine Arts Gallery, which closed in 2008.
The Virginia Beach native now has her eyes set on a new industry: luxury jewelry.
“I looked around and said, ‘All right, well, I’m not going to build for the next few years, what am I going to do?’ ” Higgs said. “And I thought about how much joy there was in that gallery, working with artists and clients and enjoying the works of art created by nature and man, which is really what fine art jewelry is.”
G Marie Luxuries, at 2861 Lynnhaven Drive not far from the renovated marina, is a jewelry store showcasing unique and often one-of-a-kind pieces. Higgs started thinking seriously about creating the store two years ago. After a series of opening setbacks due to supply issues, it finally debuted in June.
The store is decorated with furniture from Paris, chandeliers from the 1950s and a carpet created from reclaimed fishing net with a satellite image of the ocean floor from space — personal touches all chosen by Higgs.
Just like the furniture, the jewelry is carefully selected by Higgs and comes from around the world.
Whether it’s a bracelet designed by a jeweler in a small village off the Alaskan coast or a necklace created with materials found on the beaches of Costa Rica, Higgs said the beauty of a piece of luxury jewelry is not just about cost or value. Prices online range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands.
“I know people who, unless it’s a precious stone, emerald, ruby, diamond, sapphire, don’t consider it luxury, while other people consider handmade wood art from Japan that you wear on your wrist an incredible luxury,” she said.
Higgs, who has been going to jewelry shows for decades, said the beauty of jewelry is its ability to bring someone confidence.
“When women wear jewelry, it empowers them. It enhances them. It enables them to see themselves in a more beautiful light. You put on a piece of jewelry, it’s like ‘there I am,’ or you remember who gave it to you, or the moment they gave it to you,” she said.
While the store focuses on jewelry, it also has art pieces for sale. Products are also available online.
“We are new. We are different,” Higgs said. “When you come in, you’re going to find things you haven’t seen before.”
For more information, visit gmarie.com.
Gabby Jimenez, gabrielle.jimenez@virginiamedia.com