Freight Shipping from Elizabeth to Philadelphia
Ship freight from Elizabeth, NJ to Philadelphia, PA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $196-$241, LTL from $250-$477. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
91 mi
Drive Time
2 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$196-$241
LTL Rate Est.
$250-$477
Elizabeth to Philadelphia 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.
Philadelphia commands the Delaware River waterfront with PhilaPort, the fastest-growing port on the East Coast and the nation's top import point for fresh fruit, cocoa beans, and forest products. The metro's pharmaceutical corridor — stretching from the Navy Yard to the western suburbs — houses major operations from GSK, AstraZeneca, and dozens of biotech firms generating high-value temperature-controlled freight. The I-95/I-76/New Jersey Turnpike interchange makes Philadelphia the Northeast's critical freight chokepoint.
The Elizabeth-to-Philadelphia corridor spans 91 miles via NJ Turnpike, I-278 (Goethals Bridge), I-95, I-76. This lane connects container port operations and intermodal logistics freight from the Elizabeth market to pharmaceuticals & biotech and petroleum refining demand in Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia Receives
Philadelphia's pharmaceuticals & biotech, petroleum refining, food processing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Elizabeth.
crude oil
containerized imports
cocoa beans & sugar
vehicles
steel & metals
produce (Latin America)
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Elizabeth and Philadelphia, 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.
$196-$241 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.
$241-$305 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.
$259-$332 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$287-$387 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Elizabeth to Philadelphia lane (91 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $196-$241 | 2 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $250-$477 | 4-6 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $296-$410 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Elizabeth and Philadelphia that drive volume on this lane.
APM Terminals (Elizabeth)
IKEA Elizabeth DC
Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery
Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES)
Comcast (HQ)
Campbell Soup (Camden)
Shipping Tips for Elizabeth to Philadelphia
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.
Philadelphia Seasonal Advisory
Fresh fruit imports peak January through April (Chilean fruit season). Pharmaceutical shipments maintain steady year-round volume with slight spikes during flu vaccine distribution (August-October). Holiday retail import surge hits September through November.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 91 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 Philadelphia Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Elizabeth to Philadelphia?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Elizabeth, NJ to Philadelphia, PA currently range from $196-$241 for a standard dry van load over the 91-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $250-$477 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 Philadelphia?
Standard FTL transit from Elizabeth to Philadelphia is approximately 2 hrs by truck over 91 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 Philadelphia freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Elizabeth commonly ships re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Philadelphia commonly receives crude oil, containerized imports, cocoa beans & sugar. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Philadelphia to Elizabeth?
Yes. Philadelphia is a strong outbound market shipping refined petroleum, pharmaceuticals, processed foods. Carriers returning from Philadelphia to Elizabeth can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Elizabeth-to-Philadelphia lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Elizabeth to Philadelphia?
The Elizabeth-to-Philadelphia corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Elizabeth's top outbound commodities include re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals, scrap metal, food products, recycled materials. Philadelphia's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, containerized imports, cocoa beans & sugar, vehicles, steel & metals, produce (Latin America). Industries driving this lane include container port operations and intermodal logistics from Elizabeth and pharmaceuticals & biotech and petroleum refining in Philadelphia.
Get Exact Rates for Elizabeth to Philadelphia
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Elizabeth to Philadelphia lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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