Pawtucket, RI
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Pawtucket.
294
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Northeast
Region
Who Operates Out of Pawtucket
294 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Pawtucket. 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.
158
Owner-operators (1 truck)
91
Small fleets (2-5)
17
Mid fleets (6-20)
5
Large fleets (20+)
54% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 43 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
- Mill-era street layouts with narrow roads and sharp corners severely limit access for 53-foot trailers.
- Aging bridges over the Blackstone River have posted weight limits.
- I-95 through Pawtucket is among the most congested stretches in Rhode Island.
- Limited dock facilities at many older industrial buildings require creative positioning for deliveries.
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 Pawtucket — FAQ
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Running freight in Pawtucket? Get dispatched.
Our dispatch team books loads, negotiates rates, and handles the paperwork so you can keep your wheels turning in and out of Pawtucket.