Freight Shipping from Portland to Elizabeth
Ship freight from Portland, ME to Elizabeth, NJ with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $808-$996, LTL from $407-$720. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
376 mi
Drive Time
7 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$808-$996
LTL Rate Est.
$407-$720
Portland to Elizabeth Freight Corridor
Portland is northern New England's primary freight gateway, with the International Marine Terminal handling containerized cargo from Iceland and Canada. The city's booming seafood processing industry ships temperature-controlled lobster and shellfish to markets nationwide, while IDEXX Laboratories generates steady pharmaceutical-grade freight requiring climate-controlled transport.
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 Portland-to-Elizabeth corridor spans 376 miles via I-95, I-295, NJ Turnpike, I-278 (Goethals Bridge). This lane connects seafood processing and craft brewing & distilling freight from the Portland 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 Portland
Portland's economy is driven by seafood processing, craft brewing & distilling, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
lobster & seafood
craft beer
blueberries
paper products
potatoes
wood pellets
What Elizabeth Receives
Elizabeth's container port operations, intermodal logistics, petroleum refining sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Portland.
imported containers
crude oil
consumer electronics
apparel
furniture & home goods
automotive parts
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Portland 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.
$808-$996 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.
$996-$1,260 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,184-$1,598 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.
$407-$720 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Portland to Elizabeth lane (376 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $808-$996 | 7 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $407-$720 | 9-11 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,222-$1,692 | 5 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Portland and Elizabeth that drive volume on this lane.
Cooke Aquaculture
IDEXX Laboratories
WEX Inc.
APM Terminals (Elizabeth)
IKEA Elizabeth DC
Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery
Shipping Tips for Portland to Elizabeth
Portland Seasonal Advisory
Lobster season peaks July through November, creating intense reefer demand. Heating oil deliveries surge October through March, tightening tanker capacity across the region.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 376 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.
Portland to Elizabeth Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Portland to Elizabeth?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Portland, ME to Elizabeth, NJ currently range from $808-$996 for a standard dry van load over the 376-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $407-$720 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 Portland to Elizabeth?
Standard FTL transit from Portland to Elizabeth is approximately 7 hrs by truck over 376 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 Portland to Elizabeth freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Portland commonly ships lobster & seafood, craft beer, blueberries, 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 Portland?
Yes. Elizabeth is a strong outbound market shipping re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals. Carriers returning from Elizabeth to Portland can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Portland-to-Elizabeth lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Portland to Elizabeth?
The Portland-to-Elizabeth corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Portland's top outbound commodities include lobster & seafood, craft beer, blueberries, paper products, potatoes, wood pellets. Elizabeth's primary inbound freight includes imported containers, crude oil, consumer electronics, apparel, furniture & home goods, automotive parts. Industries driving this lane include seafood processing and craft brewing & distilling from Portland and container port operations and intermodal logistics in Elizabeth.
Get Exact Rates for Portland to Elizabeth
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Portland to Elizabeth lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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