Washington D.C.
Find the best Washington D.C. freight shipping rates. When shipping freight to or from Washington D.C., FreightCenter is your best option.
Shipping freight to or from Washington D.C. is a breeze with FreightCenter. Shipping from our nation’s capital can be challenging, especially when you don’t know where to ship from. At FreightCenter, we make it easy to navigate the city’s freight landscape 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 Houston, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Washington D.C. Freight Shipping
Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States of America. Sitting on the Potomac River, it is the nation's 7th largest metropolitan area, including parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. The city's economy is entirely service-driven; the city's major sectors include government, research, non-profit, and business. As such, the city has very few exports; it must rely on imports instead.
Unlike other cities, D.C. is not a state, but a federal district; this can make freight difficult since the city doesn't have the infrastructure a city within a state may have. With its central location on the Eastern Seaboard and access to major interstate highways, freight companies have been able to provide reliable delivery services to customers in the Washington D.C. area for decades. Washington D.C.'s deep-water ports make it an attractive destination for freight carriers looking to maximize their efficiency in moving cargo domestically and internationally.
The city also offers access to several major highways, allowing freight companies to transport goods throughout the region with minimal delays or disruptions. In addition, Washington D.C.'s proximity to other major cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia makes it an ideal jumping-off point for freight shippers heading further north or south into more remote areas of the country.
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Printed books, newspapers, and manuscripts
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Miscellaneous chemical products
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Pharmaceutical products
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Explosives and pyrotechnics
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Aircraft parts
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Nuclear reactors
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Arms and ammunition
Washington D.C. exports and imports mainly from Europe, as expected by the high-quality commodities moving in and out of the region. However, the balance between exports and imports is principally tilted towards the latter; D.C. imported $12.1 billion worth of goods while exporting $6.28 billion, about half of what imports make.
The primary industries in the nation’s capital are service-driven. The government employs the most people in and out of the city, followed by research facilities, education, nonprofits, and businesses. However, those who have made D.C. their home have contributed greatly to the city’s growing presence in logistics.
Listed below are companies headquartered in Washington D.C.:
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Danaher Corporation manufactures and distributes medical and industrial products to over 50 countries.
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Hoya Corporation produces optic wear, such as contact lenses and eyeglass lenses, to help improve eye health.
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Clyde’s Restaurant Group is made up of thirteen restaurants that provide a fine dining experience.
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Amtrak is the United State’s national passenger railroad company, operating in 46 out of 48 contiguous states.
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 embraces 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.
Enjoy reliable, cost-effective freight services with easy booking and tracking tools regardless of where your freight is shipping to or from. 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 Washington D.C. 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 Freight Line
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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.
Washington D.C.’s Major Highways and Freeways
While Washington D.C. does not have a major highway that cuts completely through the city (a deliberate part of the city’s infrastructure), some major highways are near or around the D.C. metro area. These include the following:
- I-66
- I-95
- I-495 (Capital Beltway)
- I-295
- I-395
- I-695
- US 1 (and US 1 Alt.)
- US 29
- US 50
- DC 295 (Anacostia Freeway)
Washington D.C.’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
Washington, D.C., has no major port within the city limits. While D.C. was initially founded with a port (even before major roads and highways were installed) and a “Port of Washington D.C.” in the city, it does not accept freight vessels. This is possibly due to the need to keep its waterways clear of larger ships in the event of a naval emergency. Still, it could also be because other cities nearby have established major ports, so the city does not need one. Instead, D.C. relies on imports from those ports.
The following ports and terminals service the Washington D.C. metro area:
- Port of Washington-Dulles (located in Virginia)
- Port of Baltimore (located in Maryland)
- The Port of Norfolk and Norfolk International Terminals (located in Virginia)
- The Port of Philadelphia (located in Pennsylvania)
However, D.C. does have warehousing options nearby and within the city:
- D.C. has a selection of warehouses and distribution centers along New York Avenue, the city’s main route for freight trucks. Several businesses, like FedEx Express and the Restuarant Equipment and Supplies Depot Corporation, are located on New York Avenue and utilize the street’s many facilities.
- In Maryland, there is the Jessup/Elkridge/Savage Center cluster of warehouses north of D.C. made up of various businesses specializing in perishable and frozen goods. The Maryland Food Center Authority (MFCA) leases these warehouses to food vendors.
- At Washinton-Dulles International Airport, the Foreign-Trade Zone #137 offers warehousing, refrigerated and temp-controlled storage, customs clearance, and other facilities. Other private warehousing options outside the airport include UPS, FedEx, and USPS cargo facilities.
Washington D.C. Railroads
CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern operate the Washington D.C. metro area’s freight railroads. CSX operates over 70 miles of rail lines throughout D.C. and owns the Benning Yard, a major rail yard on the city’s outskirts. It is also renovating the Virginia Avenue Tunnel to raise its roof to accommodate double-stack and double-track service. Norfolk Southern has intermodal terminals in Front Royal, VA (just west of Washington DC), and two in Norfolk, VA.
Washington D.C. Commerical Airports
Three major airports in Washington D.C. have commercial cargo service: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
- IAD handles over 300,000 tons of cargo annually, with 41 airlines dedicated to cargo connecting to 57 international and 86 domestic destinations. It is one of the largest cargo airports in the nation.
- DCA has 8 airlines dedicated to cargo connecting to 98 destinations in the U.S. and Canada.
- BWI has 5 airlines dedicated to cargo, including FedEx, DHL, and UPS.
Cost to Ship Freight to Washington D.C.
When shipping to and from Washington D.C., several factors influence the cost. This includes:
- Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. D.C. 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: Washington D.C.’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 Washington D.C. include major cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
- What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Washington D.C. 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 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. Washington D.C.’s vast network of carriers ensures you can find a provider that offers the services you need at the right price.
As a premier location for importing, the D.C. region offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and multiple transportation options. The metro area 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 Washington D.C. for Your Shipping Needs?
Shipping to and from Washington D.C. offers unique advantages other metropolitan areas with logistics hubs can’t offer:
- Multiple Shipping Options: Truck, air, and rail are some options for freight shipping to and from Washington, D.C. If you want to utilize intermodal strategies in your shipping experience, you have plenty of options and locations to ship to and from.
- Many Ports to Choose From: Washington, D.C., is surrounded by various ports that ship to and from the capital. Within these ports are many terminals, warehouses, and other facilities that can support your freight shipping needs.
- High Volume, Lower Costs: 76% of goods to and from D.C. are transported via trucks. Because of the high volume of goods transferring in and out of D.C., freight rates tend to be lower, which is an excellent boon for shippers who fear the high freight shipping costs.
How to Ship Freight to Washington D.C.
When shipping from Washington, D.C., start by gathering accurate information on your shipping, like the weight and dimensions, including the packaging. The freight will be handled multiple times at several freight terminals. To protect your shipment during transport, crating an item is recommended.
You can compare D.C. 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 D.C.
Get the Best Washington D.C. Freight Rates Today
Use our online freight quote tool to find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Houston. 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 Washington, D.C., your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a leader in logistics and transportation.
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