Fort Smith
Learn more about shipping freight to and from Fort Smith, including information on the city's major ports, terminals, and other freight shipping services, and discover the most competitive freight shipping rates available. FreightCenter provides top solutions for all your logistics needs.
Shipping freight to or from Fort Smith is a breeze with FreightCenter. We make navigating the city’s freight landscape easy by offering instant quotes from top carriers, competitive rates, and a straightforward booking process. Whether you’re moving intermodal, LTL, truckload, or rail freight, our extensive network and expert support ensure your cargo moves smoothly and affordably. No matter your shipping needs in Fort Smith, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Fort Smith Freight Shipping
Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a central logistics hub in the United States, benefiting from its strategic location and diverse transportation network. The Arkansas River Navigation System is a key asset, providing barge access to the Mississippi River and supporting the Port of Fort Smith. This facilitates the movement of bulk commodities such as steel, agricultural products, and chemicals, which are critical to the region’s industries.
The city’s road infrastructure includes major highways like I-40, I-49, US-71, and US-64, ensuring seamless connectivity to regional and national markets. Fort Smith also boasts strong rail connectivity through providers like Kansas City Southern (KCS) and Union Pacific (UP), which support the transportation of goods for industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. Additionally, Fort Smith Regional Airport handles time-sensitive and high-value cargo, enhancing the city’s multimodal logistics capabilities.
Fort Smith’s strategic location and integrated transportation network enable the efficient movement of diverse freight, including machinery, consumer goods, agricultural products, and chemicals. This makes the city a vital part of Arkansas’s logistics industry and a key driver of regional economic growth.
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Steel and Metal Products – Used in construction and manufacturing industries.
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Agricultural Products – Such as grains, poultry, and livestock feed.
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Chemicals – Including industrial and agricultural chemicals.
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Machinery and Equipment – For industrial and agricultural use.
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Consumer Goods – Furniture, appliances, and retail products.
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Wood and Paper Products – Including lumber and packaging materials.
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Textiles and Apparel – For retail distribution.
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Food and Beverage Products – Processed foods, beverages, and perishables.
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Automotive Parts – Components for vehicle assembly and repairs.
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Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies – Time-sensitive and high-value cargo.
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Building Materials – Cement, bricks, and other construction supplies.
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Plastics and Rubber Products – Raw materials and finished goods.
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Energy Products – Such as coal, propane, and renewable energy equipment.
Fort Smith, Arkansas, plays a vital role in the regional logistics landscape, with diverse freight moving in and out of the area. While the city’s early economy relied heavily on manufacturing and agriculture, it has since diversified to include industries such as automotive, technology, and healthcare. This growth has expanded the variety of goods transported to and from Fort Smith, with items like machinery, textiles, and pharmaceuticals joining traditional staples like agricultural products and building materials.
The Arkansas River provides Fort Smith with access to waterborne freight options, connecting the region to key trade routes. This supports the import and export of goods to various domestic and international markets. Additionally, the city’s strategic location on major highways and its connections to rail networks make it a hub for freight destined for the Midwest, South, and beyond.
Fort Smith’s logistics infrastructure has attracted numerous companies, including regional distribution centers and manufacturers. These businesses leverage the area’s resources to move a wide range of commodities efficiently. From consumer goods and automotive parts to chemicals and energy products, Fort Smith continues to play a key role in supporting Arkansas’s economy and supply chain network.
For more information, you can visit Fort Smith’s official website here.
As the city continues to embrace 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.
No matter where your freight is shipping to or from, Enjoy reliable, cost-effective freight services with easy booking and tracking tools. 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’s vast network of carriers includes companies servicing the Fort Smith metro area. We connect customers to reputable trucking carriers, finding the right one for your shipping needs. Some of FreightCenter’s partnered freight shipping companies include:
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ABF Freight
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ArcBest
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Bolt Express
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Central Transport
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CRST
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Daylight Transport
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Dayton Freight Lines
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Estes Express Lines
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Estes Forwarding Worldwide
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FedEx Freight
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Forward Air
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Frontline Freight
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HNRY Logistics
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Holland
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Keyboard Motorcycle
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Lynden
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Old Dominion
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Panther Premium Logistics
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Pilot Freight
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Pitt Ohio
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R+L Carriers
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Roadrunner Transportation Systems
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SAIA
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TForce Freight
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UPack
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UPS Freight (now TForce Freight)
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XPO Logistics
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Xpress Global Systems
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Yellow Freight
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YRC Freight
Note: FreightCenter adds and removes carrier partners from time to time. This list may not be current. Ask your FreightCenter agent for assistance.
Fort Smith’s Major Highways and Freeways
Fort Smith, Arkansas, is serviced by several key highways that provide efficient access to regional and national markets. These highways include:
- I-40 (Interstate 40): A major east-west highway connecting Fort Smith to Little Rock, Arkansas, and stretching to cities like Memphis, Tennessee, and Nashville, Tennessee. This highway is vital for long-haul trucking and freight movement across the region.
- I-49 (Interstate 49): Serving as the north-south corridor for Fort Smith, I-49 connects the city to Kansas City, Missouri, to the north and Texarkana, Texas, to the south. This interstate provides direct access to major logistics hubs, making it a critical route for freight transportation.
- US 71 (Highway 71): Running parallel to I-49, US 71 connects Fort Smith to other cities in the region, offering an alternative route for trucking and freight shipping.
- Highway 64: Another key route running through Fort Smith, providing access to central Arkansas and connecting with I-40.
Fort Smith’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
While Fort Smith does not have its own major seaport, the city is strategically located near key inland ports, and its proximity to the Arkansas River provides access to river-based transportation. The nearby Port of Little Rock serves as a significant terminal for barge traffic along the Arkansas River, supporting bulk cargo and container shipments.
Additionally, Fort Smith benefits from numerous warehouse and distribution facilities throughout the area. Some of these facilities are located within industrial parks and provide ample storage space for a variety of goods. Companies in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, and agriculture utilize these warehouses to distribute products both locally and nationally.
Public and private warehouse spaces in the region include:
- Fort Smith Industrial Park: Home to various distribution and storage companies, this industrial park provides ample space for both light and heavy industrial storage.
- Pocola Distribution Center: Located just south of Fort Smith, this distribution center offers significant warehouse space and serves businesses in the region.
Fort Smith Railroads
Fort Smith is connected to the national rail network, enhancing its ability to transport large volumes of goods by rail. The city’s rail infrastructure is primarily serviced by Union Pacific Railroad, which operates major freight yards and rail lines in the area. Rail services provide a cost-effective and reliable mode of transportation for bulk goods and long-haul shipments. The city benefits from access to Union Pacific’s extensive rail network, which links Fort Smith to major logistics hubs throughout the United States.
Fort Smith Airports and Commercial Airlines
Fort Smith is served by the Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM), which offers commercial flights to and from the city. While primarily focused on passenger traffic, the airport plays a role in regional freight transportation, particularly for time-sensitive shipments and smaller loads. The airport is also strategically located near major freight hubs in cities like Little Rock and Tulsa, providing businesses with access to a wider range of air cargo services.
Additionally, Fort Smith is within driving distance of Tulsa International Airport (TUL), a major air cargo hub that offers expanded services for larger shipments, including specialized handling for time-sensitive or perishable goods.
Cost to Ship Freight to Fort Smith
Several factors influence freight shipping costs to and from Fort Smith:
- Type, Size, and Weight: Heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect the pricing. The city offers various shipping options, including standard LTL (less-than-truckload), temperature-controlled, and expedited services.
- Seasonal Changes and Demand: Shipping rates fluctuate based on demand, especially during peak seasons like holidays or severe weather events.
- Shipping Distance: The length of the route will significantly impact shipping costs. Popular routes to and from Fort Smith include neighboring cities such as Little Rock, Dallas, and Tulsa.
- Transportation Mode: Shipping via truck is generally cheaper than air or rail, but it can take longer and pass through more terminals, adding to potential delays and risks.
- Accessorial Charges: Services like liftgate requirements, residential delivery, or delivery to limited access locations can increase shipping costs.
Fort Smith’s transportation network offers competitive rates thanks to its proximity to major interstates, railroads, and nearby airports. The city’s combination of road, rail, and air options provides businesses with flexibility and cost-effective solutions for freight transportation.
Why Choose Fort Smith for Your Shipping Needs?
Shipping to and from Fort Smith offers several advantages:
- Strategic Location: Fort Smith’s location along major highways, rail corridors, and near key regional airports provides access to a wide range of shipping options and ensures efficient movement of goods.
- Lower Shipping Costs: Due to Fort Smith’s access to efficient transportation infrastructure, the city benefits from competitive shipping rates, especially for truckload and rail services.
- Proximity to Manufacturing Hubs: Fort Smith is home to several key manufacturing facilities, making it a prime location for inbound and outbound shipments related to industrial goods and raw materials.
How to Ship Freight to Fort Smith
When shipping freight to Fort Smith, begin by gathering accurate information on your shipment, including weight, dimensions, and packaging. Fort Smith’s freight terminals handle a variety of goods, and taking care of packaging and crating items for transport is recommended to ensure safe delivery.
You can use a freight quote tool to compare shipping rates to Fort Smith and find a carrier that best suits your needs. Fort Smith’s transportation options, including trucking, rail, and air freight, provide ample choices for businesses looking to move their goods efficiently and cost-effectively.
Get the Best Fort Smith Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Fort Smith, use our online freight quote tool. 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 Fort Smith your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a city that’s a leader in logistics and transportation.
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