Norfolk
Learn more about shipping freight to and from Norfolk, 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Norfolk Freight Shipping
Norfolk, Virginia, is the third-most-populous city in the state, and is a central part of the Hampton Roads region, which includes Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and parts of North Carolina. The city is a historic landmark, having been around since before the Revolutionary War, during which the city was burnt down. After rebuilding, the city became a major military post, as the Naval Station Norfolk is located there.
The city is also a major transportation hub, as it is the home of the Virginia Port Authority's headquarters and the Norfolk International Terminals. The latter is the largest of the VPA's facilities, with semi-automated machinery and access to two Class 1 railroads and major interstate highways. The city is also served by the Norfolk International Airport, where over 68 million pounds of cargo are processed yearly, as well as Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, the only airport in the region for direct international flights.
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Vaccines and blood cultures
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Motor vehicles and parts
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Furniture
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Electric batteries
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Printing machinery
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Tobacco
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Whiskey and other hard liquor
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Soya beans
Norfolk handles various commodities since the city is a central transportation hub. The city mainly exports to Malaysia, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and China while importing from India, Vietnam, Germany, Malaysia, and China.
Since the city was rebuilt after its destruction during the Revolutionary War, Norfolk has become the cultural, financial, and historical focal point for the Hampton Roads region. While logistics and transportation are arguably the city’s biggest industries, the military is also an important military center. Other sectors involved in the city are defense contracting, manufacturing, tourism, retail, and food/beverage. Because of the city’s huge logistics sector and proximity to other major Virginian cities like Newport News, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach, domestic and international companies have settled in Norfolk, including four Fortune 500 companies.
Listed below are companies headquartered in Norfolk:
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Maersk Line, Limited provides the U.S. government and contractors with multimodal transportation and logistics services. They are an A.P. Moller-Maersk Group subsidiary.
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Marco Lombart distributes ophthalmic instruments to eye doctors, teaching institutions, and hospitals worldwide.
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Dominion Enterprises provides software and information services to automotive, real estate, travel, power sports, and franchising industries under a number of subsidaries. Dominion itself is a subsidiary of Landmark Media Enterprises, also headquartered in Norfolk.
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Concursive develops CRM solution software suites and web-based software that aims to connect users and communities using online platforms.
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 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 Norfolk 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.
Norfolk’s Major Highways and Freeways
Several major highways and tollways service the Norfolk Metro area. These include the following:
- I-64
- US 58
- US 60
- US 13
- US 460 (Granby Street)
- VA SR 403 (Newtown Road)
- VA SR 337 (Waterside Drive)
- VA SR 168 (Tidewater Drive)
- Military Highway
- Hampton Roads Beltway (I-64 and spurs I-264, I-464, I-664)
Norfolk’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
The Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) is the city’s primary terminal (part of the Port of Virginia), with a capacity of 3.6 million TEUs. The port contains one semi-automated terminal split into three sections: the North, South, and Central Rail Yard, with a 6,630 ft wharf and 95 semi-automated stacking cranes. NIT handles container-shipped commodities, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off cargo, with access to Norfolk Southern and CSX rail services, as well as direct access to I-64.
Norfolk Railroads
Norfolk was once the headquarters of Norfolk Southern, one of the US’s principal Class 1 railroads. While they have moved their headquarters to Atlanta, the railroad still serves the area today, along with CSX Transportation. Both use NIT’s Central Rail Yard, which has 27,416 linear feet of rail track. Norfolk Southern offers on-dock rail access, while CSX offers intermodal access.
Norfolk Airports and Commercial Airlines
The city is served by three airports in the area: Norfolk International Airport (ORF), Newport News/Williamsburg Airport (PHF), and Chesapeake Regional Airport.
ORF is seven miles northeast of downtown Norfolk and is operated by the Norfolk Airport Authority. Despite being called an “international airport,” it has no destinations outside the US; it acts as a domestic airport for passenger flights and a regional cargo transporter for the entire East Coast. Three all-cargo airlines ship in and out through ORF: FedEx, Mountain Air, and UPS, through two air cargo terminals and 88,000 sq. ft. of space.
PHF and Chesapeake Airport do not handle regular passenger and cargo flights. PHF has only one passenger airline, American Airlines, that flies to Charlotte, North Carolina, while Chesapeake is a general aviation airport that doesn’t typically handle cargo.
Cost to Ship Freight to Norfolk
Several factors influence the cost when shipping to and from Norfolk. This includes:
- Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Norfolk 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: Norfolk’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 Norfolk include major cities like Boston, Atlanta, New York City, and Baltimore, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
- What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Norfolk 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. Norfolk’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, Norfolk 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 Norfolk for Your Shipping Needs?
Shipping to and from Norfolk offers unique advantages other metropolitan areas with logistics hubs can’t offer:
- Major Transportation Hub: Norfolk is a major transportation center thanks to NIT and ORF. In addition, the city’s intricate highway, bridges, and tunnel systems make shipping by truck incredibly easy. There are many ways to ship your items to and from the city,
- Intermodal Options: Norfolk has many types of transportation for your logistics operations, including rail, air, truck, and sea. Combining these modes allows you to optimize your shipping routes and reduce your shipping costs.
- Lots of Railroads: Norfolk is known for being the starting point for many rail lines, including Norfolk Southern. This makes shipping by rail a safe, reliable option for your logistics operations, as the city has extensive experience with transloading and intermodal shipping.
How to Ship Freight to Norfolk
When shipping from Norfolk, 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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk.
Get the Best Norfolk Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Norfolk, 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 Norfolk 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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