Corpus Christi Freight Shipping

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:

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:

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.