How container drayage works in Richmond
Richmond's containers often come up the James River by barge. The Richmond Express links the Richmond Marine Terminal with the Port of Virginia's terminals in Hampton Roads, an alternative to trucking 95 miles on a busy I-64.
- Terminal
- Richmond Marine Terminal, south Richmond
- Barge
- Richmond Express, nearly 30,000 containers in its record year
- Rail
- CSX and Norfolk Southern
- Counties
- Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover and Prince George
More about drayage in Richmond
The Port of Virginia operates the Richmond Marine Terminal (RMT) on the James River in south Richmond. Its signature service is the Richmond Express, a barge that carries containers between RMT and the port's terminals in Hampton Roads. The original 80-foot barge, the 64 Express, was replaced by a 309-foot barge, and the service moved nearly 30,000 containers in its record year.
The barge gives Central Virginia shippers an alternative to trucking containers about 95 miles on I-64, which is often congested. Containers are discharged in Norfolk, barged up the river and picked up in Richmond.
Richmond is also served by CSX and Norfolk Southern rail lines, and some importers receive containers by truck from Norfolk or by rail. Local drayage carriers move containers to warehouses in Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover and Prince George counties.
1
Marine terminal
Railroads
CSX · Norfolk Southern · Buckingham Branch
Main highways
I-95 · I-64 · I-295 · I-195 · VA-288 · US-460
Container terminals and rail ramps in Richmond
Where containers are picked up and returned in the Richmond area.
Marine terminal
Richmond Marine Terminal
Marine terminal · Port of Virginia
James River terminal in south Richmond, served by the Richmond Express barge to the Port of Virginia's Hampton Roads terminals.
Distribution along I-95
Richmond sits midway on the I-95 corridor between New York and Florida, making it a strong distribution location. Large warehouses for retailers and e-commerce companies cluster in Chesterfield County, Hanover County, the Richmond airport area and the Petersburg area to the south. Interstate 64 and Interstate 295 connect the region with Hampton Roads and Charlottesville. Traffic on I-95 and I-64 can be heavy, and carriers schedule around peak hours.
Manufacturing and government
Central Virginia has manufacturing in chemicals, tobacco, food, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing. Some companies import raw materials and export products through the Port of Virginia. Government, healthcare and education institutions also generate freight. Pharmaceutical manufacturing in the Petersburg area adds high-value and temperature-sensitive shipments.
Barge versus truck
The Richmond Express barge takes longer than a truck but avoids I-64 congestion and reduces emissions. For regular volumes, it can be cost-effective. Trucks offer speed for urgent shipments, and some shippers use both options. Storms and river conditions can affect barge schedules, while hurricanes and winter weather can disrupt trucking.
The James River marine highway
The Richmond Express barge service runs on a federally designated marine highway route on the James River between Richmond and Hampton Roads. It began with a smaller barge called the 64 Express, named for the interstate it was meant to relieve, and later moved to a larger 309-foot barge.
In its busiest year, the service moved nearly 30,000 containers, taking thousands of truck trips off I-64. Shippers in Central Virginia use it for imports and exports, especially when they want to avoid traffic and reduce emissions. The barge typically runs on a fixed schedule, and shippers plan their pickups and drop-offs at the Richmond Marine Terminal around sailing days.
Central Virginia's logistics growth
Richmond has become a significant distribution market thanks to its location on I-95 and I-64, its proximity to the Port of Virginia and available land. Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties host large distribution centers for national retailers and e-commerce companies. South of the city, the Petersburg area has attracted pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing investment, including plants producing essential medicines.
These developments create steady demand for drayage from the Richmond Marine Terminal and for trucks running containers from Hampton Roads.
Common lanes out of Richmond
Approximate one-way highway miles for the runs local carriers quote most often.
Chesterfield / Hanover
Distribution centers south and north of the city.
20 mi
Petersburg
Manufacturing and pharmaceuticals via I-95.
25 mi
Charlottesville
Central Virginia via I-64 West.
70 mi
Norfolk
Port of Virginia via I-64; also by barge.
95 mi
Washington, D.C.
Capital region via I-95.
110 mi
Booking drayage in Richmond: what to know
Local habits that change the price and timing of a move in Richmond. Mention them when you ask for a quote.
Ask about the Richmond Express
The barge service can avoid I-64 traffic. Check with your carrier or the Port of Virginia.
Compare barge and truck
Barges take longer but can lower costs and emissions. Trucks are faster for urgent loads.
Plan for I-95 congestion
Heavy traffic can slow deliveries. Schedule early appointments.
Watch weather
Storms can affect barge schedules and trucking. Keep flexibility.
Drayage markets near Richmond
Many carriers that serve Richmond also run these nearby ports and rail ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about container drayage in Richmond, VA.