Peoria

Peoria, Illinois, is a regional hub for freight movement, with a diverse range of goods moving in and out of the city. Though the city’s history was once dominated by manufacturing—particularly in industries like heavy machinery and agricultural equipment—over time, Peoria has expanded its freight profile to include various sectors. Today, while machinery and equipment remain significant, Peoria also sees substantial shipments of chemicals, food products, and agricultural goods.

Peoria’s freight landscape is varied. The city’s exports and imports include a wide range of products, from automotive parts and machinery to consumer goods. These shipments primarily flow through Peoria’s strategic road, rail, and river connections, making the city an integral part of the Midwest’s logistics network.

Peoria’s access to major highways like I-74 and I-55, as well as its proximity to the Illinois River, offers robust connectivity for goods moving to and from major markets in the Midwest. These logistical advantages, combined with Peoria’s strategic location near agricultural and manufacturing hubs, have helped the city become a vital player in the region’s supply chain activities.

As a result of these growing industries and logistics capabilities, Peoria continues to attract various businesses, contributing to the local economy and strengthening its role as a key economic center in Central Illinois.

Peoria’s Major Highways and Roadways

Peoria, Illinois, is strategically located with several major highways and roadways servicing the city, offering seamless connectivity for goods transportation within the Midwest. Key routes include:

• Interstate 74 (East-West Corridor, connecting Peoria to cities like Bloomington, Champaign, and Indianapolis)
• Interstate 474 (Beltway around Peoria, providing access to major highways and reducing city congestion)
• US Route 150 (Connecting Peoria to Galesburg and other regional markets)
• Illinois Route 29 (Linking Peoria to the state’s northern regions and connecting with I-80)
• Illinois Route 8 (The primary east-west road for travel between Peoria and the surrounding areas)

These highways allow for efficient freight movement and are essential for Peoria’s logistics and distribution networks.

Peoria’s Major Transportation Infrastructure

Peoria is well-equipped with infrastructure that supports the movement of freight across various sectors, including road, rail, and air transport.

Railroads

Peoria is served by multiple freight rail systems, with major rail yards and connections to the national network:

• Union Pacific and BNSF railroads serve the region, with rail terminals in Peoria facilitating the shipment of bulk goods such as agricultural products, coal, and machinery.

Airports and Air Cargo

Peoria is home to Peoria International Airport (PIA), which serves both passengers and air freight. While PIA focuses more on passenger traffic, its freight services include the transport of time-sensitive goods, particularly to regional and national destinations.

Warehousing and Distribution Centers

Peoria hosts a variety of warehouse spaces and distribution centers that support a broad range of industries:

• Peoria Distribution Center and various regional warehouses provide logistical support for products ranging from consumer goods to industrial machinery and agriculture.

Freight Types in Peoria

Freight that moves in and out of Peoria typically includes:

• Agricultural Products: Corn, soybeans, and other crops are major exports from the region.
• Heavy Equipment: Peoria is home to Caterpillar Inc., making heavy machinery a key component of the city’s freight landscape.
• Manufactured Goods: The city serves as a hub for manufacturing, including items like engines, machinery, and other industrial products.
• Bulk Commodities: Coal and chemicals are regularly transported via rail and road from Peoria to various markets.

Why Choose Peoria for Your Freight Needs?

Peoria offers a range of advantages for freight and logistics needs:

• Central Location: Peoria’s position in Illinois provides easy access to major Midwest markets and connectivity to East Coast, West Coast, and southern U.S. cities via interstates.
• Transportation Network: Peoria’s mix of highways, railroads, and air cargo services ensures flexibility and options for transporting goods efficiently.
• Cost-Effective Logistics: The city’s robust infrastructure and lower operational costs compared to larger metros offer competitive shipping rates for businesses.

How to Ship Freight from Peoria

To ship freight from Peoria, gather detailed information about your cargo, including weight, dimensions, and packaging. Peoria’s transportation routes handle various types of shipments, from bulk freight to specialized cargo, with options for LTL (less-than-truckload) and FTL (full truckload) shipping.

Working with local logistics providers can help streamline the process, ensuring the best rates and shipping options based on your needs. Peoria’s extensive network offers flexibility in shipping methods and reliable services for both regional and national transportation.