New Orleans

New Orleans accounts for many of the United States’ oil refineries and petrochemical production. The city also has several corporate offices for onshore and offshore petroleum and natural gas companies. New Orleans was in the top 10 exporters and importers of the U.S. in 2023 and 2024, exporting mainly to Canada, the United Kingdom, China, Germany, and the Netherlands, while importing from China, Vietnam, Mexico, Canada, and Germany. With its strategic location at the mouth of America’s most extensive river system, New Orleans is a key node in our nation’s freight network. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans has been a major port for centuries.

 

New Orleans is well-known for its unique Creole and Latin-infused culture, making it a top tourist destination. However, the city also has its hand in several other industries, including manufacturing, technology, education, and healthcare. One Fortune 500 has made the city its home, along with many other companies taking advantage of New Orleans’ strategic location near the Gulf.

Listed below are companies headquartered in New Orleans:

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.

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 New Orleans 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:

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

New Orleans’s Major Highways and Freeways

Several major highways and tollways service the New Orleans Metro area. These include the following:

• I-10 (Pontchartrain Expressway)
• I-610
• I-510
• I-310
• U.S. 90
• U.S. 61
• U.S. 11
• LA 47
• Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

 

 

New Orleans’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses

The Port of New Orleans is the fifth-largest port in the United States based on cargo volume. A deepwater seaport on the Mississippi River, the port generates about $100 million in annual revenue, nearly half of which is made from cargo. The seaport offers six container terminals (including the famous Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal Complex), two intermodal terminals, eight breakbulk and project cargo terminals, and one cold storage terminal featuring a 140,000 sq. ft. cold storage facility. A map of the port and a list of the port’s terminals can be found on the Port of New Orleans website.

The port also owns over 1,000 acres of real estate properties for public and private companies to utilize for warehousing (both regular and refrigerated), distribution, manufacturing, sorting, and packaging. Fifty designated sites throughout the New Orleans metro area are defined as part of the city’s Foreign Trade Zone #2, eliminating duties and reducing merchandise processing fees for zone users.

New Orleans Railroads

New Orleans has the distinction of being served by all six of the nation’s Class 1 freight railroads:

• Union Pacific
• Norfolk Southern
• Kansas City Southern Railway
• CSX Transportation
• Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway
• Canadian National Railway (CN)

The railroads are located within the Port of New Orleans, which includes the Napoleon Intermodal Rail Yard, which provides intermodal services.

In addition, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad assists the Class 1 railroads by providing interchange and switching services. It is the fourth-largest rail gateway in the nation, with 26 miles of mainline tracks and 75 miles of total track. Connections between the railroads are made by the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad Commission (NOPB), which governs the New Orleans Public Belt and provides rail freight services, including:

• Transloading (liquid bulk and dry bulk)
• Private industrial sites
• Railcar storage and repairs

 

Houston Airports and Commercial Airlines

The city’s primary airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), located in the nearby suburb of Kenner, just 11 miles west of downtown New Orleans. MSY is the only airport in the state that offers international flights, which extends to its cargo services and many domestic flights. Several express carriers, including FedEx, UPS, and DHL, utilize the airport, as well as other air cargo carriers. The airport plans to expand its services to other key markets worldwide by teaming up with other international cargo carriers.

Cost to Ship Freight to New Orleans

 

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

• Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. New Orleans 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: New Orleans’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 New Orleans include major cities like Miami, Atlanta, New York City, and Houston, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
• What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from New Orleans 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. New Orleans’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, New Orleans offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and multiple transportation options. The city 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 New Orleans for Your Shipping Needs?

 

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

• Gateway to Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa: Many domestic and international companies use the Port of New Orleans as the center of their logistics operations. With direct connections to New Orleans’s railroads and airports, you can save time and money getting your freight where it needs to go.
• High Volume, Lower Costs: New Orleans 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.
• Multimodal Options: New Orleans’s port has transportation options for rail, truck, and sea. Intermodal and transloading services are provided, letting you create an optimized shipping route for your shipments.

 

How to Ship Freight to New Orleans

 

When shipping from New Orleans, 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 along the way. To protect your shipment during transport, crating an item is recommended.

You can compare New Orleans 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 New Orleans.

Get the Best New Orleans Freight Rates Today

 

To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from New Orleans, 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 New Orleans your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a city that’s a leader in logistics and transportation.