Metairie, LA
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Metairie.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Southeast
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.55 |
| Reefer | $2.96 |
| Flatbed | $3.22 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-10US-61 (Airline Highway)US-90Causeway BlvdVeterans Memorial Blvd
Top Industries
Healthcare
Retail and food service
Insurance and financial services
Major Distribution Centers
Sysco New Orleans DC
McLane Company food DC
Top Shippers
O
Ochsner Health SystemC
Cox CommunicationsJ
Jefferson Parish governmentNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-10
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (I-10 Exit 223 Kenner)
Love's (I-10 Exit 209 Boutte)
RaceTrac (Airline Hwy)
Challenges
- Dense suburban streets not designed for large trucks, low-clearance railroad overpasses on side streets, flooding during heavy rains especially near 17th Street Canal, and congestion on I-10 Metairie-to-New Orleans corridor.
- 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 Metairie — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Metairie: Dry Van $2.55, Reefer $2.96, Flatbed $3.22. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Metairie is rated "fair." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (I-10 Exit 223 Kenner), Love's (I-10 Exit 209 Boutte), RaceTrac (Airline Hwy). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Metairie freight market include Ochsner Health System, Cox Communications, Jefferson Parish government. Key industries driving freight demand are healthcare, retail and food service, insurance and financial services.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Metairie include: Dense suburban streets not designed for large trucks, low-clearance railroad overpasses on side streets, flooding during heavy rains especially near 17th Street Canal, and congestion on I-10 Metairie-to-New Orleans corridor.; 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.