Elizabeth, NJ
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Elizabeth.
1,378
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Northeast
Region
Who Operates Out of Elizabeth
1,378 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Elizabeth. 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.
927
Owner-operators (1 truck)
242
Small fleets (2-5)
66
Mid fleets (6-20)
32
Large fleets (20+)
67% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 58 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 | $2.80 |
| Reefer | $3.21 |
| Flatbed | $3.39 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- Port turn times exceeding 2-3 hours during peak seasons, chassis shortages, NJ Turnpike Exit 13A congestion, demurrage and detention fees, limited truck parking near terminals, and strict environmental regulations on idling and emissions.
- Heavy toll costs on turnpikes and bridges cut into margins
- Dense traffic congestion in metro areas creates delivery delays
- Strict urban delivery windows and limited truck access zones
Opportunities
- Highest population density in the US creates constant consumer freight demand
- Port-driven import freight from major East Coast ports
- Short-haul distances allow multiple loads per day
- Premium rates for carriers who can navigate tight urban deliveries
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Produce season runs May through October. Holiday retail surge peaks September through December. Winter nor'easters (December-March) cause significant delays and rate spikes. Spring construction season brings flatbed demand from April onward.
Trucking in Elizabeth — FAQ
Nearby Freight Hubs
Other Cities in New Jersey
Running freight in Elizabeth? Get dispatched.
Our dispatch team books loads, negotiates rates, and handles the paperwork so you can keep your wheels turning in and out of Elizabeth.