Tampa

Tampa is well-known for international trade; the city was in the top 30 in the nation for total exports and imports. Tampa exports mainly to Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Argentina, and Saudi Arabia while imports primarily to Japan, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, and China.

 

The city’s economy is driven by retail, national defense, finance, and shipping by sea and air. Manufacturing is prominent in the city, as the production of cigars began the city’s rise to economic prominence. Many businesses have made the Tampa Bay area their home (including our FreightCenter!), and it is also home to several Fortune 1000 companies.

Listed below are companies headquartered in Tampa:

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 Tampa Bay 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.

Tampa’s Major Highways and Freeways

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

• I-275 (Howard Frankland Bridge)
• I-4 (I-4 Corridor)
• I-75
• U.S. 92 (Hillsborough Avenue/Dale Mabry Highway/Gandy Bridge)
• U.S. 41/SR 45 (Nebraska Avenue)
• SR 60 (Courtney Campbell Causeway)
• SR 618 (Lee Roy Selmon Expressway)
• SR 589 (Veterans Expressway)
• SR 60 (Kennedy Boulevard

 

Tampa’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses

 

Port Tampa Bay (formerly the Port of Tampa) is the largest seaport in Florida and one of the busiest ports in the United States. Overseen by the Tampa Port Authority, the port handles 33 million tons of cargo per year, with an economic impact of $17.2 billion. The port handles container, bulk, refrigerated, auto, and other types of cargo. The port has many terminals, including terminals for cruise ships and the Richard E. Knight (REK) petroleum terminal complex.

In addition, the port has nearly 500,000 sq. ft. of warehousing and transit shed capacity and 1,000 acres of industrially zoned land with access to 43 feet of deepwater. The port is home to Foreign Trade Zone #79, assisting companies in Tampa Bay and along the I-4 Corridor with importing, exporting, warehousing, and distribution operations while assuring duty exceptions and reduced processing fees.

Tampa Railroads

CSX Transportation is the only Class 1 railroad that serves the Tampa Bay area. The railroads run through the Tampa Gateway Rail terminal as part of a private-public partnership between CSX, Port Tampa Bay, and Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L.P. The terminal is Florida’s first on-dock unit-train facility, with intermodal, container, and general cargo capability. It is used to transport fuel-grade ethanol.

The Uceta Rail Yard is located east of Tampa and is used by CSX as a storage yard and intermodal facility.

Tampa Airports 

The city’s primary airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which offers commercial passenger and cargo flights. UPS and other all-cargo and passenger carriers use the airport for its cargo operations. Cargo flights are available on a scheduled and non-scheduled basis.

Cost to Ship Freight to Tampa

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

• Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Tampa 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: Tampa’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 Tampa include major cities like Miami, Atlanta, New York City, and New Orleans, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
• What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Tampa 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. Tampa’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, Tampa 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 Tampa for Your Shipping Needs?

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

• Gateway to Latin America, Europe, and Asia: Port Tampa Bay is used by many domestic and international companies as the center of their logistics operations. With direct connections to Tampa’s railroads and airports, you can save time and money getting your freight where it needs to go.
• High Volume, Lower Costs: Tampa 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.
• Major Highways: Tampa boasts a number of highways, freeways, and streets that interconnect with the rest of Florida, including the I-4 Corridor that connects Tampa to Orlando. This allows carriers to create the most optimized route for their shipping needs.

How to Ship Freight to Tampa

 

When shipping from Tampa, 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 Tampa 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 Tampa.

Get the Best Tampa Freight Rates Today

 

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