50 States

 

While there is a pretty widely used formula for generating freight rates, each state is unique and a number of state-specific factors can affect freight costs throughout the year. Here is a state-by-state list of shipping facts that explain how rates are impacted when shipping to or from any of the 50 states.

Alabama

Freight rates in the summer are generally heightened as the demand for trucks to ship agricultural products (poultry, corn, cattle, etc.) increases.

Alaska

Shipments leaving the state are typically less than those coming in, especially refrigerated shipments, as the state’s food comes from the outside.

Arizona

The warm desert climate can inflate outbound freight costs because it allows for a longer growing season. The state’s freight rates are heavily influenced by the produce industry.

Arkansas

Freight rates remain steady throughout the year in Arkansas, but shipping to and from the many rural areas can lead to higher costs.

California

The ease of access and number of railroads in California make it a great state for low-priced intermodal transportation. This is due to the fact that it is common for those shipping freight from the Golden State to move it to New York, Florida and Texas.

Colorado

Freight rates in Colorado can be expensive, especially in the winter, due to the mountainous terrain and slippery conditions.

Connecticut

Outbound freight rates are usually more affordable in Connecticut since it is a very heavy consumption state (many trucks eager to find another load once deliveries are complete.)

Delaware

Intermodal transportation is a great shipping option due to the number of available ports and railroads in Delaware.

Florida

The summer presents the best time to get lower rates shipping to Florida. There are opportunities for trucks to haul produce back out of the state.

Georgia

If you are shipping out of Georgia, it’s best to do so outside of the peach, pecan and peanut growing seasons, as trucks can become more difficult to find.

Hawaii

Shipping rates to Hawaii are some of the most expensive of any state. Truckload rates are calculated based on the distance traveled and time spent on the road as part of the shipping process.

Idaho

Rates into and out of Idaho are largely dependent on the state’s onion and potato markets. The proximity to major metro areas also impacts the state’s shipping costs.

Illinois

The abundance of industry, high population and centralized geographical location all combine to make Illinois economical for freight shipping. California, Texas and New York are the most common destinations for freight leaving Illinois.

Indiana

Indiana’s shipping industry does not fluctuate much around seasonality, making it a reasonable state for both inbound and outbound shipments year round.

Iowa

Iowa’s consistent terrain and climate combined with its central location lead to steady freight rates in both directions.

Kansas

The high number of hubs and railways make Kansas a great intermodal transportation state. The more rural areas of the state can result in higher shipping costs.

Kentucky

Kentucky is home to a very large auto assembly industry. As a result, freight rates leaving the state are typically higher than inbound.

Louisiana

The high-traffic port located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans gives Louisiana very reasonable freight rates.

Maine

The imbalanced nature of Maine’s freight makes for generally more favorable outbound shipping rates.

Maryland

Maryland’s shipping rates are generally reasonable. An abundance of LTL shipping occurs within the state’s boundaries.

Massachusetts

Outbound freight rates are very reasonable in the Bay State as numerous goods are brought into the state, leaving shippers with many available trucks.

Michigan

The automobile and industrial manufacturing industries within Michigan lead to expensive outbound rates, but much more affordable inbound rates.

Minnesota

Freight rates in Minnesota tend to be a bit higher than other parts of the country due to the lack of major cities across the state.

Mississippi

The agriculture and produce markets make outbound shipments more expensive in the summer months. However, if you’re looking to ship goods into Mississippi, summer might be the most cost-effective time.

Missouri

Missouri’s placement in the center of the United States makes it a very affordable state for both inbound and outbound freight.

Montana

The vast majority of the state is rural. Combine this with a lack of industrial manufacturing and you find above average freight rates.

Nebraska

The booming agriculture industry of Nebraska makes for affordable inbound and intra freight shipping rates.

Nevada

While shipping freight to and from Las Vegas is cost effective, the outbound Las Vegas shipping typically has the better rates. Rates outside the major Nevada cities can be more expensive due to the rural makeup of the majority of the state.

New Hampshire

Like many northeastern states, the availability of roads, railways and ports all combine to make New Hampshire an affordable state for shipping.

New Jersey

The coastal location and abundance of freight make New Jersey’s shipping options both abundant and affordable.

New Mexico

The produce market that impacts the spring and summer months makes inbound New Mexico freight more affordable than outbound during these times.

New York

New York is a very high consumption state, which leads to expensive inbound rates.

North Carolina

Outbound freight shipping from North Carolina can be much more expensive during the fall due to the state’s large lumber industry.

North Dakota

North Dakota’s freight rates tend to be very affordable due to the low demand.

Ohio

The central location of Ohio, paired with its huge industrial markets, makes rates affordable when compared to the national average.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to many freight hubs. As a result, there are numerous inbound and outbound trucks at any given time, reducing rates across the board.

Oregon

Oregon’s shipping prices remain relatively stable throughout the year, although prices may escalate during Christmas tree season.

Pennsylvania

Rates in Pennsylvania are very dependent upon the shipper’s location. Those near major cities will generally experience lower rates, while those in rural areas will see slightly higher costs when shipping goods.

Rhode Island

Inbound trucking prices are generally a bit higher than outbound rates in Rhode Island. However, shippers can expect fairly steady prices all year.

South Carolina

The textile industry makes South Carolina’s freight rates a bit trend-driven. And much like its neighbor to the north, the lumber industry can lead to expensive outbound rates during the fall.

South Dakota

Shipping rates in the rural areas of South Dakota can be high. However, lower capacity and lower demand generally lead to lower rates.

Tennessee

Lumber and the exporting of Christmas trees in the fall tend to lead to higher rates. Due to the high amount of intermodal activity, shipping by train might be a cost-effective option.

Texas

Freight rates generally tend to be favorable across Texas, as it is a year-round producer of oil and heavy industry.

Utah

Shipping in Utah is generally very affordable. The only fluctuations in price tend to occur when there are hikes in produce heading to California.

Vermont

Shipping to, from or inside Vermont is very affordable as the state has access to international ports and intermodal rail lines.

Virginia

Shipping outbound freight via intermodal is typically the most economic option due to Norfolk’s high amount of intermodal transportation activity.

Washington

Much like Oregon, rates in Washington remain fairly steady throughout the year, except when Christmas trees are in season and being sent out of the state.

West Virginia

Shipping to and from West Virginia is mostly impacted by the lumber market. Additionally, rural areas of the state tend to see higher shipping costs.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s massive paper industry can impact shipping rates. Freight leaving the state will generally see lower rates.

Wyoming

The coal and natural gas industries make shipping to and from Wyoming very affordable throughout the year