Philadelphia, PA
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Philadelphia.
#18
Freight Rank
5,857
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Northeast
Region
Who Operates Out of Philadelphia
5,857 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Philadelphia. 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.
3,430
Owner-operators (1 truck)
1,207
Small fleets (2-5)
370
Mid fleets (6-20)
151
Large fleets (20+)
59% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 750 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 | $2.40 |
| Reefer | $2.80 |
| Flatbed | $3.10 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- Worst toll costs in the US — NJ Turnpike, PA Turnpike, and bridge tolls add up fast
- I-95 congestion through the corridor is severe and near-constant
- Truck parking is virtually non-existent in the metro area
- Complex urban delivery requirements with tight streets and restricted hours
- Multi-state operations (PA, NJ, DE) complicate tax reporting
Opportunities
- PhilaPort growing rapidly as an alternative to congested NY/NJ ports
- Pharmaceutical corridor from Philly to NJ is one of the richest freight lanes in the US
- Dense population means high consumer goods and food distribution demand
- QVC/HSN shipping creates steady small-parcel LTL demand
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Holiday retail peaks September through December. Pharmaceutical shipments are steady year-round. Produce from South Jersey farms peaks June through September. Winter nor'easters (December-March) can shut down I-95 corridor.
Trucking in Philadelphia — FAQ
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