Rockford
Learn more about shipping freight to and from Rockford, 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 Rockford 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 Rockford, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Rockford Freight Shipping
Rockford, Illinois, is one of the state’s most prominent cities and serves as a critical logistics hub in the Midwest region. Known for its strategic location and strong infrastructure, Rockford plays a significant role in the regional and national movement of goods, connecting the heart of the U.S. to other markets.
One of the city's key assets in its logistics landscape is the Rock River, which serves as an important waterway for local trade and commerce. While Rockford does not have a major seaport, its proximity to the Port of Chicago allows it to participate in international shipping, particularly via the Great Lakes and the Illinois Waterway system. This provides vital access to global markets for local businesses.
In addition to waterways, Rockford is well-connected by rail. Several major railroads, including Union Pacific and BNSF Railway, pass through the region, providing robust rail service that links Rockford to key markets across North America. This makes the city a prime location for intermodal shipments, as goods can move easily between rail and road.
Rockford’s air logistics are supported by the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), a growing cargo hub that facilitates international and domestic freight transport. The airport provides direct connections to major international markets, enabling time-sensitive shipments and global trade.
Rockford's extensive highway infrastructure also contributes to its logistics success. The city is connected to major highways, including I-90, I-39, and US-20, providing seamless access to other Midwest markets and beyond, making it an ideal location for trucking companies and freight carriers.
With its diverse transportation assets, including rail, air, and highway networks, Rockford is positioned as a cornerstone of Midwest logistics, driving economic growth and ensuring the efficient movement of goods across the region.
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Machinery and Equipment – Rockford is known for its manufacturing sector, particularly for industries like aerospace and heavy machinery, which require transportation of large equipment and parts.
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Automotive Parts – With a strong presence of automotive suppliers and manufacturers in the region, automotive parts are frequently shipped in and out of Rockford.
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Industrial Equipment – Including manufacturing machinery, tools, and parts, industrial equipment is another key freight type moving through the area due to Rockford’s role in the industrial sector.
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Consumer Goods – Both inbound and outbound consumer products pass through Rockford, particularly as the region serves as a transportation hub for nearby metropolitan areas.
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Food and Beverage Products – Rockford handles refrigerated and dry goods, often moving both raw ingredients and finished products to distribution centers.
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Pharmaceuticals – As part of its diverse economic base, Rockford sees the movement of pharmaceuticals, including drugs and medical supplies.
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Furniture – Due to its proximity to both Chicago and Milwaukee, Rockford is a key point in the transportation of furniture from manufacturers to distributors.
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Electronics – Electronics and high-tech products, including consumer electronics and components for assembly, are frequently moved through the area.
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Building Materials – Construction materials such as lumber, steel, and concrete are frequently shipped in and out of Rockford for local construction and development projects.
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Chemicals – Both industrial and consumer chemicals are transported through the region, often bound for factories or research facilities.
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Textiles – Fabrics, clothing, and textile products are moved through the area for various distribution and manufacturing purposes.
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Medical Equipment – Including diagnostic and therapeutic devices, medical equipment is shipped in and out of Rockford, which has a presence in the healthcare sector.
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Agricultural Products – Grain, produce, and other agricultural products from nearby farms move through Rockford to distribution points and processing centers.
A significant portion of Rockford’s import and export activity consists of industrial freight, particularly machinery, equipment, and parts for sectors such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and heavy industries. The city’s robust manufacturing and transportation infrastructure support a diverse range of products, but the primary commodities remain manufacturing-related equipment and machinery.
Over the years, Rockford has evolved from primarily producing steel and manufacturing tools to embracing high-tech industries, including aerospace and automotive technologies. As a result, the types of freight moving through the city have diversified, with industrial goods like auto parts and aerospace components becoming major exports.
Rockford’s key transportation networks facilitate its international trade, with exports and imports flowing to and from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This interconnectedness has bolstered Rockford’s economic standing, positioning it as a critical player in the Midwest’s industrial landscape. While much of the city’s trade is tied to local manufacturers, many companies, including several Fortune 500 firms, operate within or near the city, with many headquartered close to the region’s transportation hubs.
Rockford’s position at the intersection of major highways, proximity to Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), and access to the Midwest’s rail network make it an important logistics and manufacturing hub, driving economic growth in the region.
Listed below are companies headquartered in Rockford:
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Woodward, Inc. – A global leader in the design and manufacturing of energy control and optimization solutions, particularly for aerospace, industrial, and energy markets.
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Sundstrand Corporation (now part of Collins Aerospace) – Historically, Sundstrand was a major player in aerospace and industrial products manufacturing. It was acquired by United Technologies and merged with Hamilton Standard to form Hamilton Sundstrand, which later became part of Collins Aerospace
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Rockford Map Makers, Inc. – Specializing in map printing and cartographic services, they have been a fixture in the Rockford area for several decades.
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Regal Beloit Corporation – A manufacturer of industrial electric motors, controls, and other products, Regal Beloit is a key player in the industrial manufacturing sector
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 Rockford 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.
Rockford’s Major Highways and Freeways
Several major highways and routes service the Rockford area, including:
- I-90 (East-West Tollway connecting Rockford to Chicago)
- I-39 (North-South corridor connecting Rockford to Bloomington and southern Wisconsin)
- US 20 (Highway from Rockford to western Illinois and Iowa)
- US 51 (North-South highway connecting to the greater Midwest region)
- IL-2 (Local route connecting Rockford to Northern Illinois)
- IL-173 (Connecting Rockford to rural areas and Wisconsin)
Rockford’s Major Transportation Hubs
Rockford city boasts a strong network of transportation options:
- Rockford Airport (RFD): A key hub for air cargo in the region, providing access to both domestic and international markets.
- Rockford Rail Yard: With access to several major railroads, including BNSF and Union Pacific, Rockford serves as a critical point for regional and intermodal shipping.
Rockford Warehousing and Distribution
- Rockford’s Industrial Parks: Several major industrial parks, such as the Rockford Industrial Complex and Southeast Rockford Industrial District, provide expansive warehousing and logistics services for manufacturers and distributors.
- Distribution Centers: The area has a variety of public and private distribution centers and laydown yards, supporting a wide range of industries.
Rockford Railroads
The city is served by multiple rail companies providing comprehensive cargo movement:
- Union Pacific Rail Yard: Serves as a key transit point for goods moving to and from the region.
- BNSF Railway: Connects Rockford to major freight hubs across the Midwest.
Rockford Airports and Commercial Airlines
- Rockford International Airport (RFD): While smaller than major hubs, RFD is an essential airport for air cargo, especially time-sensitive shipments. It is supported by companies like UPS for package and freight deliveries.
Cost to Ship Freight to Rockford
Shipping costs to and from Rockford depend on several factors, such as:
- Type, size, and weight: Shipping large, heavy, or specialized items may incur higher rates. Rockford offers a range of shipping options, including less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), and temperature-controlled services.
- Distance and routes: The cost of shipping to and from Rockford depends on the distance to major markets like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison.
- Accessorial Charges: Additional services, such as liftgate requirements or residential delivery, can impact overall shipping costs.
Why Choose Rockford for Your Shipping Needs?
- Central Location: Strategically located in the Midwest, Rockford provides access to key markets across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, reducing transit times.
- Cost-Effective Shipping: Proximity to major highways and rail systems ensures competitive shipping rates, especially for regional freight.
- Extensive Transportation Network: Rockford benefits from a robust road, rail, and air transport system for efficient freight movement.
- Logistics Expertise: The city is home to a skilled workforce with significant expertise in logistics and supply chain management.
- Growing Logistics Hub: Rockford’s transportation infrastructure continues to expand, making it an attractive location for logistics companies looking for efficiency and cost savings.
How to Ship Freight to Rockford
- Start by gathering key shipment details such as weight, dimensions, and packaging.
- Protect your shipment by considering crating or other protective packaging.
- Use Rockford’s freight quote tools to compare shipping rates and find the right carrier based on your needs.
Get the Best Rockford Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Rockford, 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 Rockford 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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