Columbus
Find the best Columbus freight shipping rates. When shipping freight to or from Columbus, FreightCenter is your best option.
Shipping freight to or from Columbus is a breeze with FreightCenter. At FreightCenter, we make navigating the city’s freight landscape easy by offering instant quotes from top carriers, competitive rates, and a straightforward booking process. Whether you’re moving intermodal, LTL, truckload, or rail freight, our extensive network and expert support ensure your cargo moves smoothly and affordably. No matter your shipping needs in Columbus, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Columbus Freight Shipping
Columbus is the capital of Ohio, and the state's most populous city. The city has been called "the biggest small town in America", but with its central location within the state, Columbus has rapidly grown its diverse economic powerhouse. The city has also become a logistics hub, owing to being an influential location in the Upper Midwest, as well as its close proximity to the Canadian border.
The city mainly focuses on intermodal transportation services. With two major rail companies, Norfolk and CSX, providing traditional and intermodal rail services, Columbus is able to connect with every major city throughout the eastern and midwestern U.S. The city also has a robust air cargo business, thanks to the city's main cargo airport, Rickenbacker International. There are also many trucking companies servicing the Columbus metro area, with service all over the U.S. and Canada.
With a diverse economy, focus on intermodal logistics, and central location, Columbus is prepared to continue growing its economic might, and will continue to act as a hidden gem for the logistics industry.
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Industrial goods
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Consumer products
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Automotive parts
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Medical supplies
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Technological equipment
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Construction materials
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Hazardous materials
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Coal
With its central location within Ohio and proximity to major interstate highways like I-70, I-71, and I-75, Columbus provides easy access for freight companies seeking efficient transit times for their customers’ shipments. Additionally, several airports are located near Columbus, which makes air freight transport possible from all over the world.
A unique aspect of the city’s economy is that it isn’t reliant on one industry alone. Many different businesses have settled in Columbus, including several Fortune 500 companies. With its budding technological and infrastructure renovations, it’s no wonder these companies have made Columbus their home.
Some of the companies that have headquarters in Columbus include:
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Zippy Shell provides moving and storage services for its customers.
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Safelite Solutions offers vehicle glass repair and replacements.
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OhioHealth provides compassionate healthcare to fit the needs and wellbeing of the community.
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Huntington National Bank is a regional bank company that provides commercial, small business, and consumer banking services.
These companies are crucial to driving the city’s economy, as most are involved in developing and distributing major imports and exports. As the city embraces new infrastructures and industries, its status as a logistics hub will 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 over 50 shipping companies.
No matter where your freight is 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!
FreightCenter’s vast network of carriers includes companies servicing the Columbus metro area. We connect customers to reputable trucking carriers, finding the right one for your shipping needs. Some of FreightCenter’s partnered freight shipping companies include:
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ABF Freight
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ArcBest
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Bolt Express
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Central Transport
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CRST
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Daylight Transport
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Dayton Freight Lines
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Estes Express Lines
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Estes Forwarding Worldwide
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FedEx Freight
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Forward Air
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Frontline Freight
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HNRY Logistics
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Holland
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Keyboard Motorcycle
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Lynden
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Old Dominion Freight Line
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Panther Premium Logistics
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Pilot Freight
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Pitt Ohio
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R+L Carriers
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Roadrunner Transportation Systems
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SAIA
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TForce Freight
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UPack
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UPS Freight (now TForce Freight)
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XPO Logistics
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Xpress Global Systems
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YRC Freight
Note: FreightCenter adds and removes carrier partners from time to time. This list may not be current.
Columbus’s Major Highways and Freeways
- I-70
- I-71
- U.S. 40 (National Road)
- U.S. 23
- U.S. 33
- I-270 Outerbelt
- I-670
- SR 315
Columbus’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
Columbus does not have a major port due to its central location. However, Norfolk Southern owns an intermodal terminal within Rickenbacker International Airport, mainly transporting coal and industrial goods. The terminal serves every container port in the eastern U.S. and provides connections to other parts of the U.S.
Five air freight terminals on Rickenbacker’s property assist logistics companies with ground and airside development. Aside from air cargo, over 75 independently owned warehouses and distribution centers are in the metro area.
Columbus Railroads
Norfolk Southern owns a $67 million intermodal railyard within their terminal at Rickenbacker International Airport. This terminal transports various goods throughout the U.S., including coal and industrial goods.
CSX also provides traditional rail services and intermodal transportation.
Columbus Airports and Commercial Airlines
All major air cargo flies in and out of Columbus via Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK). Originally an airfield for the Army Air Corps, today it serves as a cargo airport, a military facility for the Ohio Air Force, and the home to Allegiant Airlines, the only passenger airline in the airport. 13 cargo airlines utilize Rickenbacker, including:
- FedEx Express
- UPS Airlines
- Cathay Cargo
- Emirates SkyCargo
- National Airlines
The city’s other major airport, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) (formerly Port Columbus International Airport), only serves passenger airlines.
Cost to Ship Freight to Columbus
Several factors influence the cost when shipping to and from Columbus. This includes:
- Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Columbus 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: Columbus’s rates fluctuate as much as the seasons change, especially during severe weather events or peak holiday shipping seasons.
- Shipping distance: How far are you shipping your freight? The length between point A and point B will heavily determine your rate. Popular routes to and from Columbus include major cities like New York City, Chicago, and Dallas, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
- What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Columbus 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. Columbus’s vast network of carriers ensures you can find a provider that offers the services you need at the right price.
As a vibrant intermodal hub, Columbus offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and multiple transportation options. Columbus provides flexible and cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs, whether shipping less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), air cargo, intermodal cargo, or ocean and container drayage.
Why Choose Columbus for Your Shipping Needs?
Shipping to and from Columbus offers unique advantages other metropolitan areas with logistics hubs can’t offer:
- Gateway to the Midwest and Canada: Columbus is used as a connector to other parts of the U.S., reaching the eastern parts of the country in little to no time at all, thanks to its central location. With direct connections to Columbus’s railroads and airports, you can save time and money getting your freight where it needs to go.
- Intermodal Options: Columbus is well-known for its robust intermodal/multimodal services. Utilizing these services provides a fast way of getting your freight from point A to point B, rather than relying on just one mode of transportation, which can take more time.
- Access to a Dedicated Cargo Airport: Rickenbacker provides not only military aid but also cargo transportation. This means logistics companies have an entire space to themselves, guaranteeing efficient transloading operations.
Get the Best Columbus Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Columbus, use our online freight quote tool. Instantly compare rates from over 50 carriers and choose the best option for your needs. Alternatively, call 800.716.7608 to speak with one of our freight experts and receive a custom quote tailored to your shipment.
Make Columbus your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a city leader in logistics and transportation.
How to Ship Freight to Columbus
When shipping from columbus, 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 Columbus freight rates with our freight quote tool and find a carrier that meets your pricing and shipping needs. Ask our in-house 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 Columbus.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
