# New York / NJ → Chicago Freight Lane

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

**Canonical URL:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/new-york-nj-to-chicago/
**Markdown source:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/new-york-nj-to-chicago/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

## About this lane

New York/NJ to Chicago is among the most reliable freight lanes in the U.S. — consistent demand from East Coast distribution and port activity keeps trucks moving westbound at competitive rates. The lane sees significant LTL consolidation traffic given the density of both markets, and intermodal is a strong option via CSX and Norfolk Southern rail.

## Market conditions

Westbound from NY/NJ is well-supplied year-round. East Coast port imports and consumer goods distribution create consistent outbound freight, keeping capacity available.

## Seasonal pattern

Post-holiday reverse logistics and returns move westbound in Q1. Q4 outbound retail shipments drive the highest rates of the year.

## Coverage zones

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

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

## 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/)
- [Priority1](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/priority1-logistics/)
- [WWEX Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/wwex-group/)
- [TQL](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/total-quality-logistics/)

## Related freight lanes

- [Chicago → New York / NJ](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/chicago-to-new-york-nj/) — 790 mi, Dry Van
- [New York / NJ → Atlanta](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/new-york-nj-to-atlanta/) — 870 mi, Dry Van
- [New York / NJ → Los Angeles](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/freight-lanes/new-york-nj-to-los-angeles/) — 2,790 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