Freight Shipping from Elizabeth to Allentown
Ship freight from Elizabeth, NJ to Allentown, PA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $187-$231, LTL from $248-$474. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
87 mi
Drive Time
2 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$187-$231
LTL Rate Est.
$248-$474
Elizabeth to Allentown Freight Corridor
Elizabeth is home to the largest container terminal complex in the Port of New York and New Jersey, processing millions of TEUs annually across the APM and Maersk terminals. The ExpressRail on-dock intermodal facility allows containers to move directly from ship to rail without a truck drayage move. Phillips 66's Bayway Refinery adds petroleum freight volume, while IKEA's massive distribution center serves the entire Northeast.
The Lehigh Valley has exploded into one of the East Coast's premier distribution corridors, with over 100 million square feet of warehouse space concentrated along I-78. The region's position — 80 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia — makes it the ideal last-mile staging area for the entire Northeast megalopolis. The former Bethlehem Steel site has been transformed into a 3,000-acre logistics and commerce center, symbolizing the Valley's shift from heavy industry to distribution.
The Elizabeth-to-Allentown corridor spans 87 miles via NJ Turnpike, I-278 (Goethals Bridge), I-78, US-22. This lane connects container port operations and intermodal logistics freight from the Elizabeth market to logistics & distribution and food processing demand in Allentown. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Elizabeth
Elizabeth's economy is driven by container port operations, intermodal logistics, petroleum refining, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
re-exported containers
refined petroleum
chemicals
scrap metal
food products
recycled materials
What Allentown Receives
Allentown's logistics & distribution, food processing, healthcare sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Elizabeth.
raw materials
consumer goods
food ingredients
packaging materials
imported merchandise
chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Elizabeth and Allentown, 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.
$187-$231 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$274-$370 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.
$248-$474 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Elizabeth to Allentown lane (87 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $187-$231 | 2 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $248-$474 | 4-6 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $283-$392 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Elizabeth and Allentown that drive volume on this lane.
APM Terminals (Elizabeth)
IKEA Elizabeth DC
Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery
FedEx Ground (regional hub)
Amazon ABE Fulfillment
Utz Brands (Hanover)
Shipping Tips for Elizabeth to Allentown
Elizabeth Seasonal Advisory
Peak import season (August-October) can extend vessel wait times to 5-7 days at anchor, cascading into terminal congestion and chassis shortages that ripple through the entire regional freight market.
Allentown Seasonal Advisory
E-commerce fulfillment drives a massive Q4 surge — Amazon and FedEx Ground ramp seasonal staffing and truck volume by 40-60% from October through December. Cement and construction material shipments peak March through November.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 87 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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.
Elizabeth to Allentown Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Elizabeth to Allentown?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Elizabeth, NJ to Allentown, PA currently range from $187-$231 for a standard dry van load over the 87-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $248-$474 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 Elizabeth to Allentown?
Standard FTL transit from Elizabeth to Allentown is approximately 2 hrs by truck over 87 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 Elizabeth to Allentown freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Elizabeth commonly ships re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Allentown commonly receives raw materials, consumer goods, food ingredients. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Allentown to Elizabeth?
Yes. Allentown is a strong outbound market shipping consumer packaged goods, cement & concrete products, processed foods. Carriers returning from Allentown to Elizabeth can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Elizabeth-to-Allentown lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Elizabeth to Allentown?
The Elizabeth-to-Allentown corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Elizabeth's top outbound commodities include re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals, scrap metal, food products, recycled materials. Allentown's primary inbound freight includes raw materials, consumer goods, food ingredients, packaging materials, imported merchandise, chemicals. Industries driving this lane include container port operations and intermodal logistics from Elizabeth and logistics & distribution and food processing in Allentown.
Get Exact Rates for Elizabeth to Allentown
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Elizabeth to Allentown lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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