Waukegan, IL
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Waukegan.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.43 |
| Reefer | $2.79 |
| Flatbed | $3.01 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-94US-41IL-137IL-120IL-43
Top Industries
Pharmaceuticals
Chemical manufacturing
Steel processing
Casino & entertainment
Major Distribution Centers
Uline shipping supplies HQ (Pleasant Prairie)
Amazon MDW6 Waukegan area
Top Shippers
A
AbbVieA
Abbott LaboratoriesN
National GypsumNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-94
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (I-94 & IL-120 Gurnee)
BP Truck Fuel (US-41 Waukegan)
Challenges
- EPA Superfund zones require hazmat awareness.
- Lake-effect snow causes sudden dangerous conditions on I-94.
- Port area roads have weight restrictions and limited turning radius for 53-foot trailers.
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 Waukegan — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Waukegan: Dry Van $2.43, Reefer $2.79, Flatbed $3.01. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Waukegan is rated "fair." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (I-94 & IL-120 Gurnee), BP Truck Fuel (US-41 Waukegan). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Waukegan freight market include AbbVie, Abbott Laboratories, National Gypsum. Key industries driving freight demand are pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, steel processing.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Waukegan include: EPA Superfund zones require hazmat awareness.; Lake-effect snow causes sudden dangerous conditions on I-94.; Port area roads have weight restrictions and limited turning radius for 53-foot trailers.. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.