Chicago
Find the best shipping rates in Chicago, including information on the city's major ports, terminals, and other shipping services. FreightCenter provides top solutions for all your logistics needs to or from Chicago.
Chicago, Illinois, otherwise famously known as the Windy City, is one of the most famous cities in the country. Chicago is known for many things – deep-dish pizza and the sculpture, Cloud Gate; but it is also know for it’s robust infrastructure and being a major logistics hub. Located in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago serves a a crucial location for getting goods across the country and across the globe.
Whether you’re shipping to or from Chicago, and in need of LTL, truckload, rai freight or air cargo services, FreightCenter offers the most competitive freight shipping rates and top solutions for all your logistics needs.
Chicago Freight Shipping
Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most freight-connected regions in the US. The Chicago freight shipping industry is a major hub for all types and sizes of freight shipments. From small packages to massive freight containers, many freight services transport goods to and from Chicago.
The freight shipping industry in this region moves a wide range of products, including food and beverages, electronics, apparel and textiles, automotive parts and components.
Also chemicals, lumber and building materials, energy sources like petroleum and natural gas, industrial equipment and machinery, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, paper products.
Construction materials like steel beams or concrete slabs, furniture items such as beds or couches, heavy equipment such as excavators or bulldozers, crops such as corn or wheat.
These freight shipments often require specialized transport vehicles with specific needs for temperature control or extra security measures. Freight shippers rely on various shipping services to move their goods around Chicago.
Railroads serve as a primary option for long-distance freight shipments within the region due to their speed and efficiency compared with other forms of freight transportation.
Shipping by truck is often the preferred option for shorter distances due to its flexibility — it can handle both local deliveries within the city or regional deliveries throughout the Midwest region.
But the air freight is also used when there's an urgent need for fast delivery times.
- Food and beverages
- Electronics
- Apparel and textiles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Medical supplies
- Steel beams
- Bulldozers
- Crops
Chicago’s location on Lake Michigan, it’s famous airport, O’Hare International, and the robust highways connecting the Windy City to other metropolitan areas worldwide. Being in the heart of the Midwest, it’s strategic geographical location leaves shippers and consumers able to gain easy access to an array of products.
This makes it an ideal place for freight companies, as goods can quickly be shipped in and out of the area. Listed below are companies headquartered in Chicago:
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Boeing Co is headquartered in Chicago. They manufacture and produce aircraft and satellites.
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Abbott Laboratories is a healthcare company that operates in over 150 countries. Their products include branded generic drugs, medical devices, and nutritional products.
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Exelon is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. They are a Fortune 100 company that produces electrical power, natural gas, and nuclear.
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Aon Corp is a multinational corporation. The company specializes in risk management, insurance brokerage, and investment banking.
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RR Donnelley & Sons is headquartered in Chicago. They provide commercial printing services, logistic and supply chain, and digital marketing.
These companies are crucial for driving the city’s economy, as most are involved in developing and distributing major imports and exports. As the city continues to embrace new infrastructures and industries, it’s status as a logistics powerhouse will also continue to rise.
Freight Shipping Rates To Any City
Shipping from city to city can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be if you work with FreightCenter. We’re a 3PL dedicated to enhancing your shipping experience. We’ll find reputable carriers in your metropolitan area from our extensive network of 50+ shipping companies.
No matter where your freight shipping to or from, enjoy reliable, cost-effective freight services with easy booking and tracking tools. FreightCenter knows how to ship freight right.
Call us at (800)716-7608, or use our free online quote tool to find and compare rates to and from any city in North America.
Trucking Companies in Chicago
We connect our customers with the most reputable Chicago shipping companies. With our vast network of Chicago freight carriers, we are able to find the ideal carrier to ship your freight.
FreightCenter partners with most of the following Chicago freight shipping companies.
Note: FreightCenter adds and removes carrier partners from time to time. This list may not be current.
Chicago’s Major Highways and Freeways
Several major highways and tollways service the Chicago Metro area. These include the following:
- I-90 (The Jane Addams Memorial Tollway)
- I-94 (The Dan Ryan Expressway and the Edens Expressway)
- I-55 (The Stevenson Expressway)
- I-290 (The Eisenhower Expressway)
- I-80
- U.S. Route 41 (Lake Shore Drive)
- Illinois Route 53 (The Tri-State Tollway)
Chicago’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
The Port of Chicago moves more general cargo than any other port in the Great Lakes, with over 19 million tons of cargo transported annually. Chicago’s intermodal terminals are among the largest and most modern in the world.
The two major public terminals are:
- Iroquois Landing Lakefront Terminal
- Lake Calumet
Other public and private terminals within the Metro Area include:
- Chicago Union Station (terminal serving Amtrak and Metra)
- O’Hare International Airport
- Cargill Grain Terminal
- The Ceres Terminal
- CSX Intermodal Terminal
Aside from the major ports, the city has several public and private real estate for warehousing and laydown yards. Some of these properties include:
- Prologis Distribution Center (various locations)
- Chicago Distribution Center (CDC)
- Cyrus C. Yates Distribution Center
- 63rd Street Yard
- Grand Crossing Yard
- Ashland Yard
- Englewood Yard
Chicago Railroads
- Union Pacific Railroad
- BNSF Railway
- CSX Transportation
- Norfolk Southern Railway
Chicago Airports and Commercial Airlines
The city of Chicago is home to one of the world’s largest airports – The O’Hare International Airport. O’Hare International has a large network of flights that connect Chicago with other major cities around the globe.
The airport has a dedicated cargo infrastructure and facilities to handle air cargo services and international trade. It features modern cargo terminals, specialized handling facilities, and warehouses.
Chicago is home to United Airlines, one of the world’s largest and most recognizable airlines. United connects millions of people with destinations around the world.
Not only do they connect passengers, but they also deliver cargo via their cargo service, United Cargo. United Cargo has six hubs in the United States, including in the Windy City.
How to Ship Freight to Chicago
When shipping from Chicago, start by gathering accurate information on what you are shipping, like the weight and dimensions, including the packaging. The freight will be handled multiple times at several freight terminals along the way. To protect your shipment during transport, crating an item is recommended.
You can compare Chicago freight rates with our freight quote tool and find a carrier that meets your pricing and shipping needs. Ask our shipping experts which carrier will be best for your shipment. They will also advise you if any other fees or special services are needed when shipping to Chicago.
Cost to Ship Freight to and from Chicago
When shipping to and from Chicago, several factors influence the cost. This includes:
- Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Chicago offers a variety of shipping options, from standard LTL to temperature-controlled and expedited services, ensuring your freight arrives safely and securely.
- Seasonal changes and demand: Chicago’s rates fluctuate depending upon changes and market demands, especially during severe weather events or peak-holiday shipping seasons.
- Shipping distance: How far are you shipping your freight? The distance between the origin and destination will heavily determine your rate. Popular routes to and from Chicago include major cities like Denver, Atlanta, New Orleans, Miami, and New York City, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
- What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Chicago matters. LTL freight shipping via truck is much cheaper than air or rail shipping. However, it is also riskier and slower than those two, especially when your freight passes through multiple terminals throughout the city.
- Accessorial Charges: Additional services, such as liftgate requirements, residential delivery, or limited access locations, can impact the final shipping price. Chicago’s vast network of carriers ensures you can find a provider that offers the services you need at the right price.
As one of the busiest logistics hubs in the world, Chicago offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and multiple transportation options. Chicago provides flexible and cost-effective solutions tailored to your logistics needs, whether shipping full truckload (TL), less-than-truckload (LTL), intermodal cargo or air cargo.
Why Choose Chicago for Your Shipping Needs?
Strategic Location: Chicago is centrally located in the U.S., connecting the East Coast to the West Coast and the North to the South, making it an area that facilitates efficient regional and long-distance shipping. It’s a central hub and close to other major ones, reaching a large customer base.
Technological Advancements: Chicago is known for being a major rail hub. It’s continuously growing it’s infrastructure and investing in smart infrastructure and technology like tracking and automation to improve operations and enhance supply chain efficiency.
Intermodal Facilities: Chicago has the world’s largest and most modern intermodal facilities, transporting millions of containers each year.
Get the Best Chicago Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping to or from Chicago, use our online freight quote tool. Instantly compare rates from over 50 carriers and choose the best option for your needs.
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