Freight Shipping from Lancaster to Allentown
Ship freight from Lancaster, PA to Allentown, PA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $163-$201, LTL from $242-$465. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
76 mi
Drive Time
1 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$163-$201
LTL Rate Est.
$242-$465
Lancaster to Allentown Freight Corridor
Lancaster County is the agricultural powerhouse of the Mid-Atlantic, producing more food per acre than almost any county in the eastern United States. The dairy, poultry, and produce operations generate steady reefer freight demand, while Turkey Hill Dairy and Perdue Farms maintain large-scale processing facilities requiring daily outbound distribution. Armstrong Flooring's manufacturing presence adds a significant dry van and flatbed component to the freight mix.
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 Lancaster-to-Allentown corridor spans 76 miles via US-30, US-222, I-78, US-22. This lane connects agriculture & food processing and tourism freight from the Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Lancaster's economy is driven by agriculture & food processing, tourism, manufacturing, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
dairy products
poultry & eggs
tobacco
processed meats
building materials
agricultural equipment
What Allentown Receives
Allentown's logistics & distribution, food processing, healthcare sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Lancaster.
raw materials
consumer goods
food ingredients
packaging materials
imported merchandise
chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Lancaster 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.
$163-$201 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.
$201-$255 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.
$217-$277 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$239-$323 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Lancaster to Allentown lane (76 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $163-$201 | 1 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $242-$465 | 3-5 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $247-$342 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Lancaster and Allentown that drive volume on this lane.
Turkey Hill Dairy
Perdue Farms
Armstrong Flooring
FedEx Ground (regional hub)
Amazon ABE Fulfillment
Utz Brands (Hanover)
Shipping Tips for Lancaster to Allentown
Lancaster Seasonal Advisory
Dairy shipments run year-round but peak during summer ice cream season. Produce harvest drives reefer demand from June through October. Tourism season (May-October) increases local delivery volumes for the Amish Country hospitality industry.
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 76 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.
Lancaster to Allentown Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Lancaster to Allentown?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Lancaster, PA to Allentown, PA currently range from $163-$201 for a standard dry van load over the 76-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $242-$465 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 Lancaster to Allentown?
Standard FTL transit from Lancaster to Allentown is approximately 1 hrs by truck over 76 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 Lancaster to Allentown freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Lancaster commonly ships dairy products, poultry & eggs, tobacco, 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 Lancaster?
Yes. Allentown is a strong outbound market shipping consumer packaged goods, cement & concrete products, processed foods. Carriers returning from Allentown to Lancaster can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Lancaster-to-Allentown lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Lancaster to Allentown?
The Lancaster-to-Allentown corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Lancaster's top outbound commodities include dairy products, poultry & eggs, tobacco, processed meats, building materials, agricultural equipment. Allentown's primary inbound freight includes raw materials, consumer goods, food ingredients, packaging materials, imported merchandise, chemicals. Industries driving this lane include agriculture & food processing and tourism from Lancaster and logistics & distribution and food processing in Allentown.
Get Exact Rates for Lancaster to Allentown
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