# Chicago → New York / NJ Freight Lane

> 790-mile freight corridor between Chicago, IL and New York / NJ, NY/NJ. Dominant load: Dry Van. Market balance: Balanced.

**Canonical URL:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/chicago-to-new-york-nj/
**Markdown source:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/chicago-to-new-york-nj/index.md
**Last updated:** 2026-04-27

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## Key facts

- Distance: 790 miles
- Dominant load type: Dry Van
- FTL transit: 1–2 days
- LTL transit: 2–4 days
- Intermodal transit: 3–4 days
- Market balance: Balanced
- Seasonal peak: Q4 (Oct–Dec)

## About this lane

Chicago to New York/NJ is one of the most active freight corridors in North America, connecting two of the continent's largest freight markets across 790 miles. The lane carries enormous LTL volume — both cities are major LTL hubs — alongside heavy dry van and intermodal traffic. Capacity is liquid and rates are generally competitive, making this a benchmark lane for market pricing.

## Market conditions

One of the most liquid freight lanes in the country — high volumes in both directions keep capacity plentiful and rates competitive. LTL is exceptionally strong on this corridor.

## Seasonal pattern

Holiday retail season drives Q4 rate spikes eastbound. Q1 post-holiday slowdown typically brings the lowest rates of the year.

## Coverage zones

**Origin (Chicago, IL):** Chicago Loop, O'Hare corridor, Joliet, Elgin, Gary (IN)

**Destination (New York / NJ, NY/NJ):** Newark, Elizabeth NJ, Bronx, Brooklyn, Meadowlands, Secaucus

## Common load types

- Dry Van *(dominant)*
- LTL
- Reefer
- Intermodal

## Top brokers serving this lane

- [C.H. Robinson](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/ch-robinson-worldwide/)
- [Echo Global Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/echo-global-logistics/)
- [WWEX Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/wwex-group/)
- [Priority1](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/priority1-logistics/)
- [TQL](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/total-quality-logistics/)

## Related freight lanes

- [New York / NJ → Chicago](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/new-york-nj-to-chicago/) — 790 mi, Dry Van
- [Chicago → Atlanta](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/chicago-to-atlanta/) — 720 mi, Dry Van
- [Atlanta → New York / NJ](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/atlanta-to-new-york-nj/) — 870 mi, Dry Van

## Sources

- Lane data: industry-standard transit times + DAT/Truckstop spot rate market conditions
- Broker recommendations: directory editorial selection based on Transport Topics rankings + active carrier networks on this corridor