Lawrence, KS
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Lawrence.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.50 |
| Reefer | $2.86 |
| Flatbed | $3.07 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-495MA-213MA-28MA-110I-93 nearby
Top Industries
Food Processing
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Distribution
Major Distribution Centers
Various 3PL warehouses along I-495
Food distribution facilities
Top Shippers
N
New BalanceL
Lawrence General HospitalF
Food processing companiesNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-495
Truck Stops
Shell (I-495 at MA-213)
Irving (Route 28)
Challenges
- Older mill-era infrastructure with narrow streets and limited bridge crossings over the Merrimack River.
- Some industrial areas have poor road conditions.
- Winter weather significantly impacts operations.
Opportunities
- Central location provides access to loads heading in every direction
- Massive intermodal and rail hub infrastructure in Chicago area
- Strong agricultural freight during harvest season
- Lower cost of living and operating costs improve net margins
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Harvest season (August-November) generates enormous grain and produce volume. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Winter weather (November-March) causes delays but also rate spikes. Spring flooding can disrupt river-adjacent routes.
Trucking in Lawrence — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Lawrence: Dry Van $2.50, Reefer $2.86, Flatbed $3.07. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Lawrence is rated "fair." Popular stops include Shell (I-495 at MA-213), Irving (Route 28). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Lawrence freight market include New Balance, Lawrence General Hospital, Food processing companies. Key industries driving freight demand are food processing, manufacturing, healthcare.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Lawrence include: Older mill-era infrastructure with narrow streets and limited bridge crossings over the Merrimack River.; Some industrial areas have poor road conditions.; Winter weather significantly impacts operations.. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.