Chicago, IL
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Chicago.
#1
Freight Rank
6,456
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Who Operates Out of Chicago
6,456 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Chicago. Here is how that base breaks down by fleet size — useful for judging whether you would be competing against owner-operators or against fleets with dedicated freight locked up.
3,295
Owner-operators (1 truck)
1,284
Small fleets (2-5)
397
Mid fleets (6-20)
199
Large fleets (20+)
51% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 409 are registered to haul hazardous materials.
Source: FMCSA Motor Carrier Census (active carriers, US physical addresses), retrieved 2026-07-18.
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.45 |
| Reefer | $2.85 |
| Flatbed | $3.10 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- 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
- Winter weather creates frequent delays from November through March
- Strict city delivery windows in downtown Chicago
Opportunities
- Highest intermodal rail volume in North America — drayage demand is constant
- Year-round outbound freight from massive Joliet/Elwood industrial corridor
- Strong backhaul opportunities in every direction
- Growing e-commerce fulfillment center construction south of the city
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Produce season peaks April through October with heavy inbound reefer loads from California and Florida. Holiday retail surge runs September through December. Intermodal drayage stays strong year-round. Winter slowdowns hit January-February.
Trucking in Chicago — FAQ
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