In port drayage, timing is everything. One of the most common questions shippers ask is:
“Do we really need a pre-pull?”
The answer depends on how your delivery is scheduled, how busy the port is, and how much risk you are willing to take. Understanding pre-pull can help you avoid missed appointments, port storage fees, and unnecessary delays.
⭐What Is Pre-Pull in Port Drayage?
A pre-pull occurs when a container is picked up from the port or rail ramp ahead of its final delivery date and staged at a carrier’s yard or secure location.
Instead of:
- Pulling the container from the port and delivering it the same day
The carrier:
- Picks up the container in advance
- Holds it overnight or longer
- Delivers it later at the scheduled time
Pre-pull is commonly used in NY/NJ port drayage, especially during congestion or when strict delivery appointments are involved.
⭐When Is Pre-Pull Actually Required?
Pre-pull is not always necessary, but it becomes critical in several situations.
1. Appointment-Based Deliveries
If the delivery location requires a scheduled appointment, pre-pull is often the safest option.
Ports operate on limited windows, and missing a pickup window can mean:
- No container pickup that day
- Missed delivery appointment
- Extra demurrage or storage charges
2. Port Congestion or Gate Uncertainty
When terminals like Maher, APM, or Bayonne experience congestion, gate delays can be unpredictable. Pre-pull reduces the risk of:
- Long driver wait times
- Same-day delivery failures
3. Delivery Scheduled for a Later Date
If your warehouse cannot receive the container immediately, pre-pull allows the container to be secured off-terminal until delivery is possible.
⭐When Pre-Pull May NOT Be Necessary
Pre-pull may not be required when:
- The delivery is FCFS (first-come, first-served)
- The port pickup and delivery can be completed on the same day
- The terminal and warehouse are both operating smoothly
In these cases, a same-day pull and delivery may be the most cost-effective option.
Pre-pull is not always necessary — but when used correctly, it can be a powerful tool to keep your supply chain moving smoothly.
The key is understanding:
- Your terminal conditions
- Your warehouse requirements
- Your delivery timeline
If you’re unsure whether pre-pull makes sense for your shipment, working with a drayage partner who understands local port dynamics can make all the difference.
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re shipping through the NY/NJ ports and want to know whether pre-pull or same-day delivery is the better option for your load, feel free to reach out.
Services include:
- Port drayage (NY/NJ)
- Pre-pull & container staging
- Transloading
- Last-mile delivery
- OTR & regional moves
Get in touch with us today to discuss your shipment details, terminal conditions, and delivery timeline.
We’re happy to provide a customized quote or operational recommendation.