Chicago, IL

Average rates per mile out of Chicago: Dry Van $2.45, Reefer $2.85, Flatbed $3.10. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.

Truck parking in Chicago is rated "poor." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (Bolingbrook), Love's Travel Stop (Joliet), TA Petro (Lake Station, IN). Plan ahead and arrive early — spots fill up fast, especially overnight.

Top shippers operating in the Chicago freight market include Kraft Heinz, Caterpillar, John Deere, Archer Daniels Midland, Conagra Brands. Key industries driving freight demand are intermodal freight, food processing, manufacturing.

The biggest challenges for truckers in Chicago include: Severe truck parking shortage across the metro area; Heavy congestion on I-90/94 interchange and Dan Ryan Expressway; Toll roads on I-88, I-90, and I-294 add significant costs. However, opportunities include highest intermodal rail volume in north america — drayage demand is constant.