Corpus Christi Freight Shipping
Learn more about shipping freight to and from Corpus Christi, including information on the city's major ports, terminals, and other freight shipping services, and discover the most competitive freight shipping rates available. FreightCenter provides top solutions for all your logistics needs.
Shipping freight to or from Corpus Christi is a breeze with 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 Corpus Christi, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Corpus Christi Freight Shipping
Corpus Christi, Texas, is the eighth-most-populous city in the state, located along both Corpus Christi Bay and Nueces Bay. The city is known for its historic sites, including the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium, and for its beautiful beaches, islands, and state and national parks.
While the city is dedicated mostly to tourism and retail, Corpus Christi is also a dynamic transportation and logistics hub. It boasts a deep water port, The Port of corpus Christi, which enables freight companies to transport goods from various international markets. The Port of Corpus Christi is an integral part of freight operations in the state of Texas because it's the fourth largest port based on tonnage cargo handled each year. Not only does Corpus Christi serve as a vital freight transportation hub in Texas but also in the larger region of South America, acting as a major gateway for exporting agricultural products from Mexico and Central America into the United States. Freight companies use Corpus Christi freight shipping for products like crude oil, chemicals, commodities, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and other energy sources.
In addition to its access to the Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi has multiple access points surrounding the city, such as highways and railroads, that allow freight to move quickly and efficiently. The city also has its own airport, the Corpus Christi International Airport, which connects air cargo to other areas in Texas and in Mexico.
With its strategic location along the Gulf of Mexico and its huge seaport, the city of Corpus Christi is an integral location for businesses seeking connections to South and Central America, as well as those investing in oil and energy industries.
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Crude oil
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Chemicals and petrochemicals
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Liquefied natural gas
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Wind energy components
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Agricultural products
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Iron ores
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Hydraulic power engines
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Air pumps
Corpus Christi was the 6th largest exporter in the United States in 2023, making $86.3 billion in exports. The city mainly exports to the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Canada, Taipei, and South Korea, while importing from Columbia, Mexico, Guyana, Kuwait, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Corpus Christi’s main commodities are oil and chemicals since the city is located near many oil refineries and chemical plants. However, the city’s primary industries are government, services, wholesale, retail, and tourism. The companies who’ve made Corpus Christi their home enjoy their proximity to the busy Port of Corpus Christi, while also benefiting from its strategic location in South Texas.
Listed below are companies headquartered in Corpus Christi:
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Freddie Records is an independant music record label producing and distributing tejano (tex-mex) music and other types of Hispanic music.
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Stripes Stores is a convenience store chain located throughout Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. 7-Eleven is its parent company.
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Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority provides public transportation services for Corpus Christi passengers.
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AccentCare offers in-home personal care assistance.
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 continues to embrace new infrastructures and industries, its 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 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 Corpus Christi 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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Yellow Freight
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YRC Freight
Note: FreightCenter adds and removes carrier partners from time to time. This list may not be current. Ask your FreightCenter agent for assistance.
Corpus Christi’s Major Highways and Freeways
Several major highways and tollways service the Corpus Christi Metro area. These include the following:
- I-37
- I-69E
- US 77
- US 181
- TX SR 44
- TX SR 286 (Crosstown Expressway)
- TX SR 357
- TX SR 35
- TX SR 358 (North and South Padre Island Drive)
- TX SR 361
Corpus Christi’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
The Port of Corpus Christi is the fifth-largest US port. It is also the largest gateway for energy exports and the third-largest crude oil exporter in the US. The port primarily focuses on liquid bulk cargo, including oil and petrochemicals, but also handles breakbulk, dry bulk, and project cargo (specifically wind energy components).
The port also contains many other facilities, such as:
- Two general cargo terminals (Northside and Southside) with 5 multi-purpose cargo docks and two storage areas
- The La Quinta Trade Gateway (1,300 acres of multi-purpose docks located on the La Quinta Ship Channel)
- 16 public oil docks, including Liquid Dock 3, the only dock on the Gulf Cost capable of loading directly from barge to rail)
- A Dry Bulk Terminal with two docks
- A 54 ft deep ship channel and seven near-dock laydown yards dedicated to project cargo
- Several industrial parks
- Foreign Trade Zone #122 benefits, including customs duty elimination, quota avoidance, access to multimodal services, and inventory control and security assistance.
More information on the Port of Corpus Christi’s facilities can be found on this brochure. Note that some information may be outdated.
Corpus Christi Railroads
Corpus Christi has three Class 1 railroads that run through the city:
- Burlington Northern Satna Fe (BNSF)
- Canadian Kansas City Southern (KCS)
- Union Pacific (UP)
There is also a Watco-operated short line and the Texas Coastal Bend Railroad (TCBR), owned by the Port of Corpus Christi. All the railroads base their operations at the port, which provides direct vessel-to-rail loading/unloading, and access to the Nueces River Rail Yard, a rail interchange yard.
Corpus Christi Airports
Corpus Christi’s main airport is the Corpus Christi International Airport (CRP), located 6 miles west of the downtown area. The airport only has three passenger airlines and one cargo airline that fly in and out of the airport. Because the airport has limited flights out of the US, CRP focuses on domestic flights to Houston or Dallas airports.
Cost to Ship Freight to Corpus Christi
Several factors influence the cost when shipping to and from Corpus Christi. This includes:
- Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Corpus Christi 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: Corpus Christi’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 Corpus Christi include major cities like Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Dallas, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
- What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Corpus Christi 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. Corpus Christi’s vast network of carriers ensures you can find a provider that offers the services you need at the right price.
Corpus Christi offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and multiple transportation options. The city 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 Corpus Christi for Your Shipping Needs?
Shipping to and from Corpus Christi offers unique advantages other metropolitan areas with logistics hubs can’t offer:
- Gateway to Latin America and Europe: Many domestic and international companies use the Port of Corpus Christi as the center of their logistics operations. With direct connections to Corpus Christi’s railroads and airports, you can save time and money getting your freight where it needs to go.
- High Volume, Lower Costs: Corpus Christi boasts one of the world’s largest ports, which results in higher container volumes and often leads to lower per-unit costs. This provides shippers with more competitive rate options.
- Multimodal Options: Corpus Christi offers many ways of transporting freight, from rail to truck to ocean container shipping. Combining these modes can reduce your shipping costs and create an optimized, efficient route to your freight’s destination.
How to Ship Freight to Corpus Christi
When shipping from Corpus Christi, 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 Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi.
Get the Best Corpus Christi Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Corpus Christi, 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 corpus Christi your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a city that’s a leader in logistics and transportation.
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