Waukegan
Learn more about shipping freight to and from Waukegan, 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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Waukegan Freight Shipping
Waukegan, Illinois, is a pivotal logistics hub situated in Lake County, close to Chicago, which makes it a key player in regional and national supply chains. Its strategic location on the western shore of Lake Michigan provides a strong advantage in connecting the Midwest to global markets.
The city's transportation infrastructure is a cornerstone of its logistics landscape, with access to major highways, including Interstate 94, which links it to Chicago and other regional cities. This connectivity plays a critical role in the efficient movement of goods by road.
In addition to highways, Waukegan's proximity to the Port of Chicago, one of the largest ports on the Great Lakes, enhances its logistics capabilities. The port handles a variety of cargo, including bulk goods, chemicals, and consumer products. Furthermore, the city's access to rail networks, such as the Canadian National Railway, connects it to key North American markets, supporting the seamless transport of goods.
Waukegan also benefits from nearby airports, including O'Hare International Airport and General Mitchell International Airport, offering air freight services that support the rapid transportation of high-value, time-sensitive goods.
With its robust transportation infrastructure and strategic location, Waukegan continues to play a key role in the movement of goods within the U.S. and internationally.
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Automobiles – Both finished vehicles and automotive parts for assembly.
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Consumer Goods – Includes electronics, clothing, and household items.
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Chemicals – Includes industrial chemicals and hazardous materials.
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Bulk Commodities – Grains, coal, and other raw materials transported in bulk.
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Machinery and Equipment – Large industrial machinery and heavy equipment.
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Construction Materials – Lumber, steel, and other building materials.
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Pharmaceuticals – Including temperature-sensitive and time-critical drugs.
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Food and Beverages – Packaged food products, beverages, and agricultural products.
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Furniture – Finished furniture and components.
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Industrial Parts and Components – For various manufacturing sectors.
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Plastic Products – Raw plastic materials and finished plastic goods.
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Paper Products – Including both raw materials and finished paper goods.
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Oil and Petroleum Products – Gasoline, diesel, and other refined petroleum products.
Waukegan, IL, plays a significant role in regional and national logistics, with a diverse range of imports and exports moving through the area. While petroleum products have historically been a major part of the city’s trade, the region has expanded its focus to include industries like manufacturing, transportation, and technology. Today, a variety of freight types move through Waukegan, supported by its strategic location on the Great Lakes and access to nearby rail and highway systems.
Waukegan’s trade is bolstered by its connection to both international and domestic markets, including key trade partners in Europe, South America, and Asia. The city’s proximity to Chicago and the Port of Chicago also enhances its position as a logistics hub. Many companies, including major corporations, operate within or near Waukegan, contributing to its economic growth and solidifying its importance as a transportation and trade center in the Midwest.
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 Waukegan 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.
Waukegan, IL, is a key logistics hub in the Midwest, with a robust transportation infrastructure supporting the movement of goods throughout the region. Here’s an overview of Waukegan’s logistics landscape:
Waukegan’s Major Highways and Freeways
Several major highways service Waukegan, providing direct access to Chicago and other major cities in the U.S. These include:
- I-94 (Edens Expressway)
- I-41 (Milwaukee Road Freeway)
- Route 137 (Belvidere Road)
- Route 43 (Green Bay Road)
Waukegan’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
While Waukegan itself doesn’t host a large port like some other cities, the Waukegan Harbor on Lake Michigan plays a vital role in freight transportation, particularly for bulk commodities and lake shipping. The harbor handles various types of cargo, including bulk materials, machinery, and industrial goods. Nearby ports, such as the Port of Chicago, further enhance the region’s shipping capabilities.
Public and private real estate in Waukegan also supports warehousing, logistics, and industrial needs. These include:
- Waukegan Industrial Park
- Riverside Industrial Park
- Greenwood Industrial Park
Waukegan Railroads
Waukegan is served by both Canadian National Railway (CNR) and Union Pacific Rail systems, providing key connections for shipping freight across the U.S. and Canada. Railyards in the area support the transportation of various goods, including consumer products, industrial materials, and agricultural goods.
Waukegan Airports and Commercial Airlines
The region is well-connected by air freight through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), located 40 miles south of Waukegan. O’Hare serves as one of the busiest airports for cargo in the U.S., handling a wide variety of time-sensitive goods, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.
Cost to Ship Freight to Waukegan
The cost of shipping freight to Waukegan varies depending on:
- Type, size, and weight: Different shipping methods are available for standard LTL, FTL, and air cargo.
- Seasonal fluctuations: Rates can change based on weather conditions and peak shipping seasons.
- Shipping distance: The distance to and from Waukegan impacts shipping costs.
- Mode of transport: Truck freight, rail, and air offer different cost structures, with rail and air typically being more expensive but faster.
Why Choose Waukegan for Your Shipping Needs?
Waukegan offers competitive logistics advantages:
- Access to major markets: Proximity to Chicago, one of the largest logistics hubs in the U.S., allows for efficient regional distribution.
- Rail and waterway connections: Waukegan’s location on Lake Michigan and its access to major railroads make it an ideal location for bulk goods and industrial freight.
- Cost-effective shipping options: Competitive rates for various shipping modes are available, with the region’s proximity to Chicago offering lower costs for long-haul shipments.
How to Ship Freight to Waukegan
When shipping to Waukegan, gather all necessary information about your freight, including weight, dimensions, and packaging. Whether you are shipping via rail, truck, or air, it’s crucial to protect your shipment with proper crating and packaging to avoid damage.
Get the Best Waukegan Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Waukegan, 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 Waukegan 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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