Freight Shipping from Cedar Rapids to Cleveland
Ship freight from Cedar Rapids, IA to Cleveland, OH with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,438-$1,773, LTL from $568-$969. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
669 mi
Drive Time
12 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,438-$1,773
LTL Rate Est.
$568-$969
Cedar Rapids to Cleveland Freight Corridor
Cedar Rapids is the cereal capital of the world, home to Quaker Oats' largest production facility, multiple ADM and Cargill processing plants, and a constellation of smaller food manufacturers that together process more grain per capita than any other US city. Collins Aerospace's avionics division adds a high-tech freight dimension, shipping flight-critical electronics to aircraft manufacturers worldwide. The Cedar River provides limited barge access, but the vast majority of freight moves by truck on I-380 toward Chicago or Des Moines.
Cleveland remains the industrial heart of the Great Lakes manufacturing belt, anchored by Sherwin-Williams' new global headquarters and Cleveland-Cliffs' integrated steel operations. The Port of Cleveland connects to global markets via the St. Lawrence Seaway, handling iron ore, steel, and heavy-lift project cargo. The I-90/I-77 junction gives carriers efficient access to the entire Midwest and Northeast.
The Cedar Rapids-to-Cleveland corridor spans 669 miles via I-380, US-30, I-90, I-77. This lane connects cereal & grain processing and meat packing freight from the Cedar Rapids market to steel & metals and automotive parts demand in Cleveland. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids's economy is driven by cereal & grain processing, meat packing, agricultural equipment, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
cereal products
corn syrup & starch
processed meats
ethanol
avionics systems
oat products
What Cleveland Receives
Cleveland's steel & metals, automotive parts, healthcare & biomedical sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Cedar Rapids.
iron ore (Great Lakes)
raw steel
automotive components
crude chemicals
consumer goods
energy products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Cedar Rapids and Cleveland, these equipment types best serve this corridor.
Dry Van (FTL)
Ideal for palletized consumer goods, electronics, packaged foods, and general merchandise. Enclosed protection from weather and theft.
$1,438-$1,773 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$1,773-$2,241 estimated for this lane
Flatbed
Best for steel, lumber, machinery, building materials, and oversized loads that cannot be palletized or loaded through standard dock doors.
$1,907-$2,442 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,107-$2,843 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Cedar Rapids to Cleveland lane (669 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,438-$1,773 | 12 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $568-$969 | 14-16 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,174-$3,011 | 8 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Cedar Rapids and Cleveland that drive volume on this lane.
Quaker Oats/PepsiCo (largest cereal plant in world)
Collins Aerospace
ADM (corn processing)
Sherwin-Williams (HQ)
Cleveland-Cliffs (HQ)
Lincoln Electric
Shipping Tips for Cedar Rapids to Cleveland
Cedar Rapids Seasonal Advisory
Grain processing is year-round, but harvest season (September-November) creates intense competition for trucks as bulk grain, ethanol, and finished products all peak simultaneously. Cereal shipments spike ahead of back-to-school and holiday periods.
Cleveland Seasonal Advisory
Steel production runs year-round but construction season (April-October) drives the strongest demand for outbound coil and plate loads. Great Lakes shipping season (April-January) determines iron ore import volumes at the port.
Overnight Transit
This 669-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
Book Early for Best Rates
Spot market rates fluctuate daily. Booking 3-5 days in advance typically saves 10-15% compared to same-day or next-day freight requests. For recurring shipments, ask about contract rates.
Cedar Rapids to Cleveland Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Cedar Rapids to Cleveland?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Cedar Rapids, IA to Cleveland, OH currently range from $1,438-$1,773 for a standard dry van load over the 669-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $568-$969 depending on freight class, weight, and dimensions. Request a custom quote for exact pricing based on your specific shipment details.
How long does freight take from Cedar Rapids to Cleveland?
Standard FTL transit from Cedar Rapids to Cleveland is approximately 12 hrs by truck over 669 miles. LTL shipments add 2-4 business days due to terminal transfers. Expedited service with team drivers can reduce FTL transit by up to 40%.
What equipment do I need for Cedar Rapids to Cleveland freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Cedar Rapids commonly ships cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Cleveland commonly receives iron ore (Great Lakes), raw steel, automotive components. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Cleveland to Cedar Rapids?
Yes. Cleveland is a strong outbound market shipping steel products, automotive stampings, industrial chemicals. Carriers returning from Cleveland to Cedar Rapids can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Cedar Rapids-to-Cleveland lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Cedar Rapids to Cleveland?
The Cedar Rapids-to-Cleveland corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Cedar Rapids's top outbound commodities include cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats, ethanol, avionics systems, oat products. Cleveland's primary inbound freight includes iron ore (Great Lakes), raw steel, automotive components, crude chemicals, consumer goods, energy products. Industries driving this lane include cereal & grain processing and meat packing from Cedar Rapids and steel & metals and automotive parts in Cleveland.
Get Exact Rates for Cedar Rapids to Cleveland
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Cedar Rapids to Cleveland lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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