Shipping from Chicago
Chicago, IL freight rates Chicago offers an unmatched combination of transportation modes and infrastructure for both domestic and international freight shipping. The city serves as a hub for six of the nation’s seven Class I North American railroads, making it the premier rail hub in the country. The region is connected to six major U.S. interstate highways, with a large amount of truck-hauled freight going to neighboring states. Chicago is also home to O’Hare International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports. Common items shipped in and out of the region include electronics, pharmaceuticals and machinery. A lot of goods flow between the Windy City and East Asia. Railroads and trucks take international items to and from California’s ports, and airplanes make stops in Alaska between the two destinations. Inbound freight rates are relatively affordable in the city because of larger demand for outbound freight.
Shipping to Tampa
Tampa, Florida freight rates The central Florida city of Tampa is home to the highly traveled Port Tampa Bay, the closest full service port to the Panama Canal. It handled more than 36 million tons of cargo in 2014 and is one of the world’s premier fertilizer ports. With major interstate systems I-4, I-75 and I-275 running through the region, Tampa is connected to major U.S. cities like Atlanta, Cincinnati, Orlando and Detroit, as well as to the Canadian border. The region offers 500 miles of active railroad and siding tracks, which maintains a major rail yard, an intermodal terminal, a TRANSFLO terminal and an automotive distribution center in Tampa. The region isn’t as affected by the tourism industry as other locations in Florida, but like other destinations in the Sunshine State, the summer citrus season can drive freight prices up. LTL shipping is usually affordable due to the volume of goods moving through the area via truck and rail.