Durham, NC
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Durham.
919
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Southeast
Region
Who Operates Out of Durham
919 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Durham. 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.
502
Owner-operators (1 truck)
222
Small fleets (2-5)
62
Mid fleets (6-20)
23
Large fleets (20+)
55% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 72 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 | $2.43 |
| Reefer | $2.86 |
| Flatbed | $2.97 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- Cold-chain logistics requirements for pharmaceutical freight, Duke University game day traffic, construction from rapid downtown Durham redevelopment, and NC-147 (Durham Freeway) congestion during rush hours.
- 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 Durham — FAQ
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Running freight in Durham? Get dispatched.
Our dispatch team books loads, negotiates rates, and handles the paperwork so you can keep your wheels turning in and out of Durham.