Navigating a Complex Year in Ports, Trucking, and Freight
The agricultural export sector continues to evolve rapidly, and few understand the intricacies of ports, trucking, and container logistics better than Jeff Cox, President of Best Drayage in Madera, California. In a recent conversation with Ag Meter’s Nick, Cox discussed the challenges and successes his company has experienced this year—from tariffs and freight regulations to booming nut crops and international logistics.
A Volatile but Strong Year for Port Activity
Cox describes the past year as “up and down,” noting that the fall season has been strong despite early challenges. The introduction of tariffs created uncertainty in the spring, particularly for large retailers and importers, but the drayage sector adapted quickly.
Thanks to the agricultural industry’s resourcefulness, shipping lines and exporters found innovative ways to keep products moving. While imports took a bigger hit, Cox says the export side saw only minimal disruption.
Almonds, Pistachios, and Walnuts: A Busy Season for Ag Exports
Best Drayage is widely known for handling massive volumes of almonds, earning Cox the friendly nickname “the almond king.” Although early estimates pointed toward a 3-billion-pound crop, actual numbers settled around 2.7 billion pounds, still a sizable volume. Cox notes that the crop was slightly late but shipping activity surged through September and October.
Beyond almonds, Best Drayage is also deeply involved in pistachio and walnut shipping, both of which saw huge crops this year. Pistachios, in particular, continue to expand as orchards reach maturity—often taking around seven years before trees reach full production. The growth in inventory has made pistachios “really strong” in the export market.
How the Drayage Process Works
Cox offered a clear breakdown of how Best Drayage moves agricultural freight from the Central Valley to international destinations:
- Pull empty containers from the Port of Oakland.
- Deliver empties to processors across the Central Valley and Northern California.
- Load the product—almonds, pistachios, walnuts, raisins, powdered milk, and more.
- Return the loaded container to the port for export.
- Containers then begin their journey abroad, with typical transit times to places like India ranging from 30 to 45 days, sometimes up to 50 depending on route and carrier.
Transit times can vary based on cost considerations: faster shipments typically cost more, while lower-cost options may take longer.
Export Markets: Challenges and Opportunities
While Best Drayage does not work directly with overseas buyers, Cox notes that many customers do, and certain markets come with challenges. China posed difficulties in the past but has stabilized, while India—a massive almond market—remains complex.
Still, he remains confident: demand is strong, supply is steady, and “we’re going to get all these nuts shipped overseas.”
Automation, Port Efficiency, and the Future of Labor
Ports like Long Beach handle staggering volumes of containers, and the logistics behind organizing them is, as Cox says, “a science.” Automation has become a major topic in the industry, with port unions concerned about job losses while terminals pursue more efficient systems.
The Port of Long Beach has already piloted various automation initiatives, illustrating the push-and-pull between efficiency and labor preservation. Ag Meter noted the rising influence of AI and automation, prompting Cox to acknowledge the trend while emphasizing that agriculture still relies heavily on “boots on the ground” and personal relationships.
The State of the Freight Industry: Clean Competition and Higher Costs
Freight in California faces immense pressure: high fuel costs, rising insurance rates, and—most recently—news that 17,000 drivers obtained illegal licenses. While alarming, Cox says this development has an unexpected upside for companies like Best Drayage.
Because Best Drayage invests heavily in vetting drivers and operating legally, the removal of unqualified or illegally licensed drivers “levels the playing field.” Many operators offering unsustainably low rates rely on unsafe or improperly vetted drivers. As authorities crack down, companies that prioritize quality and compliance gain an advantage.
Cox stresses that Best Drayage focuses on value-based partnerships rather than race-to-the-bottom pricing. Customers who prioritize reliability and service tend to fare better in the long run, avoiding the “headaches” caused by bargain carriers who often create more problems than they solve.
The Value of Service Over Bargain Pricing
As the conversation continued, Jeff Cox emphasized one of Best Drayage’s core business philosophies: prioritizing service and reliability over bargain-basement pricing. For Cox, the freight industry works best when everyone in the chain values professionalism.
He explained that agriculture partners, in particular, understand and appreciate high-quality service. They want their loads handled responsibly, delivered on time, and moved with care. While Best Drayage always aims to offer fair pricing, Cox noted that some customers are willing to invest slightly more to avoid costly headaches that come from unreliable haulers focused solely on low prices.
Why California Agriculture Demands a Higher Standard
Cox and the Ag Meter host also touched on a persistent challenge: the high cost of doing business in California. From labor regulations to fuel costs, to freight and environmental standards, California agriculture operates in one of the most expensive markets in the world. Cox agreed that grocery chains and buyers must recognize these realities.
Best Drayage works hard to maintain strong service levels despite these added pressures. Part of that success comes from choosing the right customers—partners who value service and compliance rather than chasing the lowest bid.
Best Drayage’s Growing Footprint Across California and Nevada
The conversation shifted to the company’s reach. Best Drayage now covers all of California as well as northern Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, and Minden—an expansion launched in August. The move was a natural step for Cox, who has long-standing experience in that region.
This broad service area allows Best Drayage to move a high volume of commodities, especially agricultural exports that drive the Central Valley economy.
Why Best Drayage Invests in People and Training
Cox highlighted a critical part of the company’s philosophy: people are the foundation of every successful operation. Their drivers, dispatchers, and support teams represent the company at every pickup and delivery. If a driver performs poorly or mishandles a load, it reflects directly on Best Drayage—even if the problem stemmed from the driver’s actions rather than company policy.
To ensure top-tier service, every member of their team undergoes strict qualifications and training. The company is fully food-safety certified, and every driver understands proper handling procedures for agricultural commodities. This commitment is essential because freight can be rejected for reasons ranging from container odors to structural issues. Best Drayage’s rigorous standards protect customers from costly disruptions.
When a Load Leaves the Port: Where Best Drayage’s Responsibility Ends
A common question in international logistics is how long a drayage company remains responsible for a container. Cox clarified that Best Drayage handles inland drayage only. They retrieve an empty container from the port, transport it to the processor for loading, return the full container, and their job is completed at that point.
The same applies to imports—they pick up loaded international containers from the port, deliver them to customers, and return empties back to the terminal.
Exporting vs. Importing: The Core of Best Drayage’s Work
While Best Drayage handles both sides of freight, Cox shared that exports make up the bulk of their business—about 65 percent of their total volume, with an overwhelming 90 percent of that tied to agriculture. Cox described the niche as fast-paced and highly reactive, filled with last-minute orders and tight shipping windows. But this is exactly where Best Drayage thrives.
Seasonality and Peak Shipping Periods
Best Drayage operates year-round, but volume varies by season. The fall months, particularly fourth quarter leading into the holidays, represent peak season. On the other hand, the months of March through May tend to be the slowest across the Central Valley’s drayage landscape.
Who Handles Quality?
When asked whether Best Drayage gets involved in quality control of agricultural products, Cox explained that international freight is generally “no-touch.” Drivers stay in their vehicles while processors load and seal the containers. Quality assurance remains the responsibility of the shipper, not the drayage provider.
A Message to the Agriculture Community
As the interview neared its close, Cox extended an invitation to any processors or shippers struggling with their current drayage providers. He emphasized Best Drayage’s commitment to relationships, reliability, and hands-on presence in the communities they serve. Cox himself often spends days driving across Central California—from Gustine to Newman to Patterson—because he believes in building personal relationships within the ag industry.
The Wild Side of International Shipping
In a lighter moment, Cox addressed the unpredictable nature of global container shipping. From videos of hundreds of containers falling into the ocean to real-life stories of piracy—like the events portrayed in Captain Phillips—he acknowledged that international logistics can be chaotic. Fortunately, marine insurance exists to protect shippers from such rare but costly events.
How to Reach Best Drayage
For listeners or readers wanting to learn more or inquire about drayage services, Jeff Cox provided direct contact information:
- Email: sales@bestdrayage.com
- Phone: 559-536-9024
- Website: www.bestdrayage.com
A Strong Finish from a Trusted Industry Voice
The Ag Meter host closed the conversation by praising Cox’s professionalism, community involvement, and the stellar reputation Best Drayage has built throughout the industry. Cox expressed his appreciation and reiterated his openness to help whenever needed.