Freight Shipping from Newark to Norfolk
Ship freight from Newark, NJ to Norfolk, VA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $815-$1,004, LTL from $408-$722. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
379 mi
Drive Time
7 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$815-$1,004
LTL Rate Est.
$408-$722
Newark to Norfolk Freight Corridor
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.
Norfolk is the East Coast's deepest natural harbor and home to the Port of Virginia — the third-largest container port in the U.S. and the only East Coast port with 55-foot channels capable of handling fully loaded ultra-large container vessels at any tide. Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base, generates enormous military logistics volume. Huntington Ingalls' Newport News Shipyard builds America's aircraft carriers and submarines, creating specialized oversize freight that moves nowhere else in the country.
The Newark-to-Norfolk corridor spans 379 miles via I-95/NJ Turnpike, I-78, I-64, I-264. This lane connects port logistics & drayage and air cargo freight from the Newark market to military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics demand in Norfolk. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Newark
Newark's economy is driven by port logistics & drayage, air cargo, pharmaceuticals, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
containerized exports
pharmaceuticals
refined petroleum
chemicals
food products
e-commerce returns
What Norfolk Receives
Norfolk's military & naval operations, port & maritime logistics, shipbuilding sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Newark.
containerized imports (Asia/Europe)
vehicles (auto import)
crude oil
machinery
consumer goods
building materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Newark and Norfolk, 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.
$815-$1,004 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.
$1,004-$1,270 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.
$1,080-$1,383 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,194-$1,611 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Newark to Norfolk lane (379 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $815-$1,004 | 7 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $408-$722 | 9-11 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,232-$1,706 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Newark and Norfolk that drive volume on this lane.
Maersk (Port Newark)
Amazon EWR Fulfillment
Anheuser-Busch Newark
Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base)
Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding)
Virginia Port Authority
Shipping Tips for Newark to Norfolk
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.
Norfolk Seasonal Advisory
Import container volumes peak August through November during retail peak season. Coal exports fluctuate with global energy demand and Asian steel production. Military freight is steady year-round but surges during deployment cycles and fleet maintenance periods.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 379 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.
Newark to Norfolk Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Newark to Norfolk?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Newark, NJ to Norfolk, VA currently range from $815-$1,004 for a standard dry van load over the 379-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $408-$722 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 Newark to Norfolk?
Standard FTL transit from Newark to Norfolk is approximately 7 hrs by truck over 379 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 Newark to Norfolk freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Newark commonly ships containerized exports, pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Norfolk commonly receives containerized imports (Asia/Europe), vehicles (auto import), crude oil. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Norfolk to Newark?
Yes. Norfolk is a strong outbound market shipping containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain. Carriers returning from Norfolk to Newark can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Newark-to-Norfolk lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Newark to Norfolk?
The Newark-to-Norfolk corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Newark's top outbound commodities include containerized exports, pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum, chemicals, food products, e-commerce returns. Norfolk's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia/Europe), vehicles (auto import), crude oil, machinery, consumer goods, building materials. Industries driving this lane include port logistics & drayage and air cargo from Newark and military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics in Norfolk.
Get Exact Rates for Newark to Norfolk
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Newark to Norfolk lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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