Freight Shipping from Minneapolis to Elizabeth
Ship freight from Minneapolis, MN to Elizabeth, NJ with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,817-$3,472, LTL from $921-$1,514. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,310 mi
Drive Time
24 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,817-$3,472
LTL Rate Est.
$921-$1,514
Minneapolis to Elizabeth Freight Corridor
Minneapolis-St. Paul is the Upper Midwest's dominant freight hub, anchored by Fortune 500 shippers like Target, General Mills, 3M, and Medtronic. Target's distribution network alone generates thousands of truckloads weekly from its Midwest DCs. The Twin Cities' position at the intersection of I-94 and I-35 makes it the natural routing point for freight moving between Chicago, the Dakotas, and the Canadian border.
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 Minneapolis-to-Elizabeth corridor spans 1,310 miles via I-94, I-35, NJ Turnpike, I-278 (Goethals Bridge). This lane connects food processing & cpg and medical devices freight from the Minneapolis market to container port operations and intermodal logistics demand in Elizabeth. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Minneapolis
Minneapolis's economy is driven by food processing & cpg, medical devices, retail headquarters, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
processed foods & cereal
medical devices
retail distribution
agricultural products
machinery
printed materials
What Elizabeth Receives
Elizabeth's container port operations, intermodal logistics, petroleum refining sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Minneapolis.
imported containers
crude oil
consumer electronics
apparel
furniture & home goods
automotive parts
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Minneapolis and Elizabeth, 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.
$2,817-$3,472 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.
$3,734-$4,782 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,127-$5,568 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.
$921-$1,514 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Minneapolis to Elizabeth lane (1,310 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,817-$3,472 | 24 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $921-$1,514 | 26-28 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,258-$5,895 | 16 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,769-$2,424 | 27-29 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Minneapolis and Elizabeth that drive volume on this lane.
General Mills
Target Corporation
Medtronic
APM Terminals (Elizabeth)
IKEA Elizabeth DC
Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery
Shipping Tips for Minneapolis to Elizabeth
Minneapolis Seasonal Advisory
Harvest season (September-November) floods the market with grain trucks competing for capacity on I-94 and I-35. Winter weather from November through March regularly shuts down I-94 westbound, creating rate spikes and transit delays.
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.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,310 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 24 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.
Minneapolis to Elizabeth Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Minneapolis to Elizabeth?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Minneapolis, MN to Elizabeth, NJ currently range from $2,817-$3,472 for a standard dry van load over the 1,310-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $921-$1,514 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 Minneapolis to Elizabeth?
Standard FTL transit from Minneapolis to Elizabeth is approximately 24 hrs by truck over 1,310 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%. Intermodal rail-truck service takes 5-7 days but offers significant cost savings.
What equipment do I need for Minneapolis to Elizabeth freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Minneapolis commonly ships processed foods & cereal, medical devices, retail distribution, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Elizabeth commonly receives imported containers, crude oil, consumer electronics. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Elizabeth to Minneapolis?
Yes. Elizabeth is a strong outbound market shipping re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals. Carriers returning from Elizabeth to Minneapolis can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Minneapolis-to-Elizabeth lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Minneapolis to Elizabeth?
The Minneapolis-to-Elizabeth corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Minneapolis's top outbound commodities include processed foods & cereal, medical devices, retail distribution, agricultural products, machinery, printed materials. Elizabeth's primary inbound freight includes imported containers, crude oil, consumer electronics, apparel, furniture & home goods, automotive parts. Industries driving this lane include food processing & CPG and medical devices from Minneapolis and container port operations and intermodal logistics in Elizabeth.
Get Exact Rates for Minneapolis to Elizabeth
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Minneapolis to Elizabeth lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts