Freight Shipping from Cedar Rapids to Newark
Ship freight from Cedar Rapids, IA to Newark, NJ with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,543-$3,135, LTL from $851-$1,406. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,183 mi
Drive Time
22 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,543-$3,135
LTL Rate Est.
$851-$1,406
Cedar Rapids to Newark 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.
Newark is the epicenter of East Coast container freight, with Port Newark-Elizabeth handling 8+ million TEUs annually as the busiest port on the Atlantic seaboard. The drayage market from the port terminals to regional distribution centers is one of the highest-volume, most competitive trucking segments in the nation. Newark Liberty Airport adds significant air cargo volume, making this one of the densest multimodal freight zones in the world.
The Cedar Rapids-to-Newark corridor spans 1,183 miles via I-380, US-30, I-95/NJ Turnpike, I-78. This lane connects cereal & grain processing and meat packing freight from the Cedar Rapids market to port logistics & drayage and air cargo demand in Newark. 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 Newark Receives
Newark's port logistics & drayage, air cargo, pharmaceuticals sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Cedar Rapids.
imported containers (all categories)
consumer electronics
apparel & textiles
furniture
automotive parts
food imports
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Cedar Rapids and Newark, 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.
$2,543-$3,135 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.
$3,135-$3,963 estimated for this lane
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets. Shared trailer space with other shippers reduces cost for smaller loads.
$851-$1,406 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Cedar Rapids to Newark lane (1,183 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,543-$3,135 | 22 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $851-$1,406 | 24-26 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,845-$5,324 | 14 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Cedar Rapids and Newark that drive volume on this lane.
Quaker Oats/PepsiCo (largest cereal plant in world)
Collins Aerospace
ADM (corn processing)
Maersk (Port Newark)
Amazon EWR Fulfillment
Anheuser-Busch Newark
Shipping Tips for Cedar Rapids to Newark
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.
Newark Seasonal Advisory
Import volumes peak August through October as retailers stock for the holiday season, creating severe chassis shortages and 3-5 day terminal wait times. Post-Lunar New Year (February-March) brings a second surge as Asian factories resume production.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,183 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 22 hours without mandatory 10-hour rest breaks, cutting transit time nearly in half compared to a solo driver.
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 Newark Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Cedar Rapids to Newark?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Cedar Rapids, IA to Newark, NJ currently range from $2,543-$3,135 for a standard dry van load over the 1,183-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $851-$1,406 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 Newark?
Standard FTL transit from Cedar Rapids to Newark is approximately 22 hrs by truck over 1,183 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 Newark 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. Newark commonly receives imported containers (all categories), consumer electronics, apparel & textiles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Newark to Cedar Rapids?
Yes. Newark is a strong outbound market shipping containerized exports, pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum. Carriers returning from Newark to Cedar Rapids can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Cedar Rapids-to-Newark lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Cedar Rapids to Newark?
The Cedar Rapids-to-Newark 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. Newark's primary inbound freight includes imported containers (all categories), consumer electronics, apparel & textiles, furniture, automotive parts, food imports. Industries driving this lane include cereal & grain processing and meat packing from Cedar Rapids and port logistics & drayage and air cargo in Newark.
Get Exact Rates for Cedar Rapids to Newark
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Cedar Rapids to Newark lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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