Clearwater, FL
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Clearwater.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Southeast
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.37 |
| Reefer | $2.80 |
| Flatbed | $2.91 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
US-19SR-60 (Gulf-to-Bay/Courtney Campbell)I-275 (nearby)SR-590 (Ulmerton Road)Bayside Bridge
Top Industries
Medical devices
Electronics & technology
Healthcare systems
Tourism
Marine manufacturing
Major Distribution Centers
TD Synnex distribution hub
BayCare supply chain center
Amazon TPA delivery station (nearby)
Top Shippers
H
HoneywellB
BayCare Health SystemT
Tech Data (TD Synnex)N
NielsenNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via US-19
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (I-275 & Ulmerton Rd)
RaceTrac truck fuel (US-19 & SR-580)
Circle K heavy truck (SR-60 & McMullen Booth)
Challenges
- Peninsula geography limits access to two causeway crossings, US-19 is one of the most dangerous highways in the US for all traffic, tourist beach traffic creates seasonal gridlock, and many delivery locations have limited dock access in older commercial areas.
- Hurricane season (June-November) poses risk to operations and cargo
- Summer heat and humidity require attention to temperature-sensitive freight
- Rapid population growth increases congestion on key corridors
Opportunities
- Rapidly growing population drives sustained freight demand
- Automotive manufacturing belt creates steady parts and finished vehicle freight
- Port of Savannah and Port of Charleston generate strong import volumes
- Year-round operations without severe winter weather interruptions
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Florida produce season (October-May) drives strong northbound reefer demand. Hurricane season (June-November) creates both risks and emergency freight surges. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Year-round construction keeps flatbed demand steady.
Trucking in Clearwater — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Clearwater: Dry Van $2.37, Reefer $2.80, Flatbed $2.91. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Clearwater is rated "fair." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (I-275 & Ulmerton Rd), RaceTrac truck fuel (US-19 & SR-580), Circle K heavy truck (SR-60 & McMullen Booth). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Clearwater freight market include Honeywell, BayCare Health System, Tech Data (TD Synnex), Nielsen. Key industries driving freight demand are medical devices, electronics & technology, healthcare systems.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Clearwater include: Peninsula geography limits access to two causeway crossings, US-19 is one of the most dangerous highways in the US for all traffic, tourist beach traffic creates seasonal gridlock, and many delivery locations have limited dock access in older commercial areas.; Hurricane season (June-November) poses risk to operations and cargo; Summer heat and humidity require attention to temperature-sensitive freight. However, opportunities include rapidly growing population drives sustained freight demand.