Tulsa Freight Shipping

Tulsa is a well-known importer, being the 68th largest in the country. Tulsa mainly imports from Canada, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, while exporting primarily from Singapore, Ireland, Austria, Israel, and the UK.

 

The city of Tulsa was initially known as the “Oil Capitial of the World” as it was a major hub for oil production and transportation in the United States. However, Houston’s oil and energy refineries began to surpass Tulsa; the city started diversifying its economy to reach other sectors. Today, the city has become a home base for aerospace, finance, technology, education, manufacturing, and telecommunications, all taking advantage of the city’s many transportation modes and the nearby Tulsa Ports. As such, it’s no wonder why so many businesses, including two Fortune 50o companies, have chosen Tulsa as their go-to freight hub for efficiently transporting goods around the country.

Listed below are companies headquartered in Tulsa:

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 Tulsa 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.

Tulsa’s Major Highways and Freeways

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

• I-44
• I-244
• I-444
• US 412
• US 64 (Broken Arrow Expressway)
• US 75
• US 169 (Mingo Valley Expressway/Pearl Harbor Memorial Expressway)
• OK SH 11
• OK SH 364 (Creek Turnpike)

 

 

Tulsa’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses

Tulsa is served by two inland ports: the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and the Tulsa Port of Inola. Both are located outside the city limits as part of the Tulsa metro area, in Catoosa, Oklahoma.  They sit on the Verdigris River, a tributary of the Arkansas River (where downtown Tulsa is near), and the Mississippi River, which helps when transporting to and from the ports. They both have access to rail and barge transportation.

The Tulsa Port of Catoosa is a 2,500-acre multimodal riverport that works with over 50 companies and employs over 3,500 people around the metro area. The port mainly handles metals, chemicals, agricultural products, and general manufactured commodities. The Port of Catoosa contains the following facilities:

• Five public terminals, including break bulk cargo docks, a Roll-on/Roll-off project cargo wharf, bulk liquid terminals, and a regular dry bulk freight terminal.
• A rail transload facility
• Foreign Trade Zone 53
• A 2,000-acre industrial park with warehousing and storage facilities

The Tulsa Port of Inola is a 2,500-acre industrial park with 1.8 million sq. ft. of space for warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing. The area primarily caters to metal, electric, plastic, and automotive manufacturing and has direct access to all of the Port of Catoosa’s facilities.

In addition. The Tulsa Ports also own the Riverview Industrial Park, a smaller piece of land near the ports that contain spaces for businesses to lease.

Tulsa Railroads

The city’s main Class 1 freight rail operator is Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF). The other two Class 1 freight railways include Union Pacific and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), which operate via a short-line switch on the South Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad.

BNSF also operates the Cherokee Rail Yard, which has facilities like a freight terminal, diesel shop, and railcar sorting station. The rail yard extends to two other rail yards in Tulsa, Cherokee West End and Cherokee East End.

Tulsa Airports and Commercial Airlines

Tulsa’s chief airport is the Tulsa International Airport (TUL), located about 5 miles northeast of downtown Tulsa. While the airport has customs and border control facilities, the airport only has domestic flights for passenger and cargo flights. Eight companies utilize TUL’s airport for cargo; they are either the cargo divisions of major passenger airlines or major parcel shipping companies like UPS and FedEx.

Tulsa’s other major airport is Tulsa Riverside Airport (RVS), formerly known as the Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport. It is a public-use airport that acts as a reliever airport for TUL, which includes cargo transportation.

Cost to Ship Freight to Tulsa

Several factors influence the cost of shipping to and from Tulsa. This includes:

• Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Houston 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: Tulsa’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 Tulsa include major cities like Oklahoma City, Louisville, St. Louis, and Fort Worth/Dallas, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
• What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Tulsa 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. Tulsa’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, Tulsa 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 Tulsa for Your Shipping Needs?

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

• Busy Riverport: The Tulsa Ports provide plenty of services and facilities for businesses wishing to expand their logistics operations into Tulsa, from different terminal types to rail and barge transportation options.
• Intermodal Options: With Tulsa’s extensive rail, truck, and river container transportation options, businesses can combine different transportation modes to create an optimized route for their freight, efficiently delivering products to customers on time without sacrificing quality.
• Available Land: Tulsa’s industrial parks lease land for businesses desiring to start or expand in the city. With expansion plans made for the Tulsa Ports and TUL Airport, there’s never been a good time for companies to consider Tulsa as a new shipping hub.

How to Ship Freight to Tulsa

When shipping from Tulsa, 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 Tulsa 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 Tulsa.

Get the Best Tulsa Freight Rates Today

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