Boston

Boston, MA, is considered to be a global city. It has a GDP of over $360 billion and is ranked the sixth-largest economy in the nation. The city is a major center for venture capital and high-tech companies. The Port of Boston has access to ground transportation, including a truck-only haul road. It operates non-Massport facilities for bulk cargo, LNG shipments, and petroleum.

 

The city’s historic waterfront district provides businesses with convenient access to freight services and other logistics solutions. Businesses operating out of this vibrant city benefit from its proximity to international markets and efficient domestic transportation networks both near and far. Eight Fortune 1000 companies are headquartered in the city, along with other notable companies and non-profit organizations specializing in finance, education, biochemical research, and manufacturing.

Companies headquartered in Boston include:

These companies are crucial to driving the city’s economy, as most are involved in developing and distributing major imports and exports.  As the city embraces new infrastructures and industries, its status as a logistics powerhouse will also continue to rise.

Freight Shipping Rates To Any City

Shipping from city to city can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be if you work with FreightCenter. We’re a 3PL dedicated to enhancing your shipping experience. We’ll find reputable carriers in your metropolitan area from our extensive network of over 50 shipping companies.

Enjoy reliable, cost-effective freight services with easy booking and tracking tools regardless of where your freight is shipping to or from. FreightCenter knows how to ship freight right!

Call us at (800) 716-7608, or use our free online quote tool to find and compare rates to and from any city in North America!

 

FreightCenter partners with a large network of regional and nationwide carriers to find space on trucks for shipping to or from Boston, MA. With our vast network of Boston freight carriers, we will connect your business with the ideal carrier to ship your freight.

FreightCenter partners with most of the following Boston freight shipping companies:

Note: FreightCenter adds and removes carrier partners from time to time. This list may not be current. Ask your FreightCenter agent for assistance.

Boston’s Major Highways and Freeways

Several major highways and tollways service the Boston metro area. These include the following:

• I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike)
• I-93 (Northern/Southeast Expressway)
• I-95
• U.S. Route 1 (Northeast Expressway/Newburyport Turnpike)
• U.S. Route 3 (Northwest Expressway)
• U.S. Route 20
• MA Route 2 (Concord Turnpike/Alewife Brook Parkway)
• MA Route 3 (the Pilgrims Highway)
• MA Route 24

 

 

Boston’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses

The Port of Boston, America’s first port, is one of the busiest East Coast ports and the largest in Massachusetts. It is a part of the historic Boston Harbor, located initially in what is now called Long Wharf. That section of the Port is used for ferries and sightseeing tours today; the main cargo facilities are located in South Boston, East Boston, Charlestown, and Everett, a neighboring city.

The most important terminal within the Port of Boston is Conley Terminal, the only full-service container terminal in New England that services the entire East Coast. Over 2,500 importers and exporters utilize the port while also taking advantage of its advanced, modernized technological equipment. The Port of Boston also owns the Boston Autoport (specializing in shipping automobiles) and the Boston Fish Pier (specializing in transporting seafood).

The city also has several warehousing facilities throughout Boston. Most of these properties are owned by the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) as part of their Foreign Trade Zone and comprise the following:

• East Boston: Three 39-acre sites near Logan International Airport are dedicated to fuel-farm facilities.
• South Boston: Contains the Boston Marine Industrial Park, Boston’s largest intermodal transportation facility, with 400,000 sq. ft. of warehouse and office space.
• Charlestown: The Boston Autoport is located here, as is the Mystic Pier, a vehicle import/export processing terminal. It also has 250,000 sq. ft. of indoor storage space.

 

 

Boston Railroads

CSX is the only major freight railroad in the Boston metro area. They own trackage rights over the Northeast Corridor and trackage rights over the southern half of the city’s commuter rail network. CSX owns Readville Yard 1, Boston’s only active freight yard; they also own a double-stack intermodal rail yard in Worchester and a transload facility in Westborough, both outside of Boston.

Aside from CSX, the only other major railroad in the Boston metro area is Pan Am Railways, a subsidiary of CSX. It operates north and west of Boston and owns the northern half of the city’s commuter rail network.

 

Boston Airports and Commercial Airlines

The principal airport in the Boston metro area is Logan International Airport (BOS), which has two cargo complexes and many offices for cargo companies. It is the 10th busiest cargo airport, servicing many domestic and international freight carriers. L.G. Hanscom Field, a public-use airport in Bedford, MA, handles some light cargo out of the other airports within the Boston metro area.

 

Cost to Ship Freight to Boston

When shipping to and from Boston, several factors influence the cost. This includes:

• Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Boston offers a variety of shipping options, from standard LTL to temperature-controlled and expedited services, ensuring your freight arrives safely and securely.
• Seasonal changes and demand: Boston’s rates fluctuate as much as the seasons change, especially during severe weather events or peak holiday shipping seasons.
• Shipping distance: How far are you shipping your freight? The length between point A and point B will heavily determine your rate. Popular routes to and from Boston include major cities like Miami, Atlanta, New York City, and Dallas, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
• What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Boston matters. LTL freight shipping via truck is much cheaper than air or rail shipping. However, it is also riskier and slower than those two, especially when your freight passes through multiple terminals throughout the city.
• Accessorial Charges: Additional services, such as liftgate requirements, residential delivery, or limited access locations, can impact the final shipping price. Boston’s vast network of carriers ensures you can find a provider that offers the services you need at the right price.

As one of the busiest logistics hubs in the world, Houston offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and multiple transportation options. Boston provides flexible and cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs, whether shipping less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), air cargo, intermodal cargo, or ocean and container drayage.

Why Choose Boston for Your Shipping Needs?

Shipping to and from Boston offers unique advantages other metropolitan areas with logistics hubs can’t offer:

• Gateway to Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa: Port of Boston is used by many domestic and international companies as the center of their logistics operations. With direct connections to Houston’s railroads and airports, you can save time and money getting your freight where it needs to go.
• High Volume, Lower Costs: Houston boasts one of the world’s largest ports, which results in higher container volumes and often leads to lower per-unit costs. This provides shippers with more competitive rate options.
• Drayage Options: Houston is well-known for its drayage services. If you are shipping internationally and need a truck to deliver your container the rest of the way, Houston has many options for you.

Get the Best Boston Freight Rates Today

Use our online freight quote tool to find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Boston. Instantly compare rates from over 50 carriers and choose the best option for your needs. Alternatively, call 800.716.7608 to speak with one of our freight experts and receive a custom quote tailored to your shipment.

Make Houston your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a city that’s a leader in logistics and transportation.

How to Ship Freight to Boston

 

When shipping from Boston, start by gathering accurate information on what you are shipping, like the weight and dimensions, including the packaging. The freight will be handled multiple times at several freight terminals. To protect your shipment during transport, crating an item is recommended.

You can compare Boston freight rates with our freight quote tool and find a carrier that meets your pricing and shipping needs. Ask our in-house shipping experts which carrier will be best for your shipment. They will also advise you if any other fees or special services are needed when shipping to Boston.