Freight Shipping from Omaha to Lincoln
Ship freight from Omaha, NE to Lincoln, NE with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $142-$175, LTL from $236-$456. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
66 mi
Drive Time
1 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$142-$175
LTL Rate Est.
$236-$456
Omaha to Lincoln Freight Corridor
Omaha is the beef capital of America and Union Pacific's global headquarters, making it a unique dual powerhouse of protein freight and rail logistics. The metro's meatpacking plants process millions of pounds of beef and pork daily, generating an enormous volume of temperature-controlled outbound shipments. Werner Enterprises, one of the nation's largest carriers, is headquartered here, reflecting the city's deep trucking DNA.
Lincoln sits on the I-80 corridor 55 miles southwest of Omaha, serving as Nebraska's state capital and a secondary distribution hub. Kawasaki's manufacturing plant produces ATVs, rail cars, and jet skis, creating a unique mix of oversize and consumer product freight. Purina's pet food facility generates steady outbound reefer and dry van volume year-round.
The Omaha-to-Lincoln corridor spans 66 miles via I-80. This lane connects meatpacking & food processing and railroads (up hq) freight from the Omaha market to government (state capital) and higher education demand in Lincoln. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Omaha
Omaha's economy is driven by meatpacking & food processing, railroads (up hq), financial services, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
beef & pork products
frozen foods
grain & corn
pet food
financial documents
processed poultry
What Lincoln Receives
Lincoln's government (state capital), higher education, food processing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Omaha.
raw grain & corn
packaging materials
consumer goods
building materials
food ingredients
industrial supplies
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Omaha and Lincoln, 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.
$142-$175 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.
$175-$221 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.
$188-$241 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.
$236-$456 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Omaha to Lincoln lane (66 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $142-$175 | 1 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $236-$456 | 3-5 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $215-$297 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Omaha and Lincoln that drive volume on this lane.
Union Pacific Railroad (HQ)
ConAgra Brands
Tyson Fresh Meats
Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing
Purina (Nestle)
Windstream Communications
Shipping Tips for Omaha to Lincoln
Omaha Seasonal Advisory
Cattle feedlot finishing peaks in spring and fall, driving livestock hauling demand. Corn and soybean harvest (September-November) floods the market with grain trucks and tightens capacity for all other freight types.
Lincoln Seasonal Advisory
University of Nebraska football season (September-November) creates weekend freight congestion and hotel shortages that affect carrier scheduling. Harvest season brings the same grain truck competition seen across all Nebraska markets.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 66 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.
Omaha to Lincoln Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Omaha to Lincoln?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Omaha, NE to Lincoln, NE currently range from $142-$175 for a standard dry van load over the 66-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $236-$456 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 Omaha to Lincoln?
Standard FTL transit from Omaha to Lincoln is approximately 1 hrs by truck over 66 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 Omaha to Lincoln freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Omaha commonly ships beef & pork products, frozen foods, grain & corn, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Lincoln commonly receives raw grain & corn, packaging materials, consumer goods. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Lincoln to Omaha?
Yes. Lincoln is a strong outbound market shipping processed foods, pet food (Purina), agricultural equipment. Carriers returning from Lincoln to Omaha can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Omaha-to-Lincoln lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Omaha to Lincoln?
The Omaha-to-Lincoln corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Omaha's top outbound commodities include beef & pork products, frozen foods, grain & corn, pet food, financial documents, processed poultry. Lincoln's primary inbound freight includes raw grain & corn, packaging materials, consumer goods, building materials, food ingredients, industrial supplies. Industries driving this lane include meatpacking & food processing and railroads (UP HQ) from Omaha and government (state capital) and higher education in Lincoln.
Get Exact Rates for Omaha to Lincoln
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Omaha to Lincoln lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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