Dead Head
A long distance drayage movement of empty equipment required to pick up a load.
Dedicated Train
A train that transports a dedicated commodity or type of cars. In the case of intermodal, intermodal trains only carry trailers and/or containers.
Demurrage
A penalty for exceeding free time allowed for loading or unloading at a pier or freight terminal. Also, demurrage is a charge for undue detention of transportation equipment or carriers in port while loading or unloading.
Destination Ramp
The railroad terminal that a unit will go to, to be picked up by truck for delivery.
Detention
A charge made on trailers/containers held by or for a consignor/consignee for loading or unloading, forwarding directions or any other purpose. Typically, there are 2 hours free time before detention becomes an issue.
Diversion
A change made in the route of a shipment in transit.
Domestic Intermodal
Transport of freight via 53’ containers through rail and truck modes within North America.
Door-to-Door
A movement of lading from the customer’s dock to the receiver’s dock.
Door-to-Ramp
A movement of lading from the customer’s dock to the destination intermodal ramp closest to the receiver.
Double-Stack
The movement of containers on a rail car that enable the one container to be stacked on another container.
Drayage
The movement of a container or trailer to or from the railroad intermodal terminal to or from the customer's facility for loading or unloading.
Driver Assist
When a drayman is required to assist in the loading/unloading of a container or trailer.
Drop Charges
The railroads may impose drop charges at certain ramps to units that return to the ramp empty. Drop charges are used to prevent congestion.
Drop & Pull
Drayman drops loaded or unloaded unit at shipper or receiver and hooks up to unit which was previously dropped and returns it to the ramp.
Dry Run
When a drayman goes to a ramp to pick up a container and for some reason leaves without one.
Dunnage
The material used to protect or support freight in containers or trailers.
Dwell
Same as demurrage; used more in rail industry communications than in legal contracts.