Norfolk, NE
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Norfolk.
Regional hub
Population
Good
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.50 |
| Reefer | $2.86 |
| Flatbed | $3.08 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-64I-264I-564 (Naval base access)US-13 (Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel)US-58US-460
Top Industries
Port operations (Virginia Port Authority)
Military & Naval operations (Naval Station Norfolk)
Shipbuilding (Huntington Ingalls Newport News)
Coal export
Distribution & logistics
Major Distribution Centers
Amazon ORF2 (Suffolk)
NIT (Norfolk International Terminals)
VIG (Virginia Inland Port, Front Royal)
Dollar Tree HQ & DC (Chesapeake)
QVC Distribution (Suffolk)
Top Shippers
W
Werner Enterprises HQ (Omaha)C
ConAgraT
Tyson FoodsU
UP RailroadNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-64
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (I-64 Exit 205 Lightfoot)
Love's #578 (I-64 Exit 234 Newport News)
Flying J (I-64 Exit 262 Chesapeake)
TA (I-64 & US-460 junction Suffolk)
Challenges
- Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel create severe bottlenecks with frequent wind closures.
- Naval Station Norfolk convoys block major roads with minimal notice.
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel ($20+ toll) is the only route to Delmarva Peninsula—high winds close it regularly.
- Port of Virginia TWIC mandatory.
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 Norfolk — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Norfolk: Dry Van $2.50, Reefer $2.86, Flatbed $3.08. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Norfolk is rated "good." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (I-64 Exit 205 Lightfoot), Love's #578 (I-64 Exit 234 Newport News), Flying J (I-64 Exit 262 Chesapeake). Parking availability is generally reliable, but popular stops still fill up on busy nights.
Top shippers operating in the Norfolk freight market include Werner Enterprises HQ (Omaha), ConAgra, Tyson Foods, UP Railroad. Key industries driving freight demand are port operations (virginia port authority), military & naval operations (naval station norfolk), shipbuilding (huntington ingalls newport news).
The biggest challenges for truckers in Norfolk include: Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel create severe bottlenecks with frequent wind closures.; Naval Station Norfolk convoys block major roads with minimal notice.; Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel ($20+ toll) is the only route to Delmarva Peninsula—high winds close it regularly.. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.