Freight Shipping from Worcester to Elizabeth
Ship freight from Worcester, MA to Elizabeth, NJ with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $467-$575, LTL from $319-$584. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
217 mi
Drive Time
4 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$467-$575
LTL Rate Est.
$319-$584
Worcester to Elizabeth Freight Corridor
Worcester has emerged as central New England's distribution hub, sitting at the junction of the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and I-290. The CSX intermodal terminal handles overflow container traffic from the congested Port of Boston, making Worcester a cost-effective alternative for importers. A growing biotech manufacturing cluster supplements the city's traditional metalworking and plastics base.
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 Worcester-to-Elizabeth corridor spans 217 miles via I-90, I-290, NJ Turnpike, I-278 (Goethals Bridge). This lane connects biotech manufacturing and metal fabrication freight from the Worcester 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 Worcester
Worcester's economy is driven by biotech manufacturing, metal fabrication, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
biotech products
fabricated metals
medical instruments
wire & cable
plastic products
abrasives
What Elizabeth Receives
Elizabeth's container port operations, intermodal logistics, petroleum refining sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Worcester.
imported containers
crude oil
consumer electronics
apparel
furniture & home goods
automotive parts
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Worcester 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.
$467-$575 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$684-$922 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.
$319-$584 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Worcester to Elizabeth lane (217 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $467-$575 | 4 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $319-$584 | 6-8 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $705-$977 | 3 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Worcester and Elizabeth that drive volume on this lane.
AbbVie (Worcester)
Saint-Gobain Abrasives
Polar Beverages
APM Terminals (Elizabeth)
IKEA Elizabeth DC
Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery
Shipping Tips for Worcester to Elizabeth
Worcester Seasonal Advisory
Holiday retail inventory builds drive warehouse activity from August through November. Winter road conditions on I-90 westbound toward Springfield and Albany can slow transit times significantly December through March.
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 217 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.
Worcester to Elizabeth Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Worcester to Elizabeth?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Worcester, MA to Elizabeth, NJ currently range from $467-$575 for a standard dry van load over the 217-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $319-$584 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 Worcester to Elizabeth?
Standard FTL transit from Worcester to Elizabeth is approximately 4 hrs by truck over 217 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 Worcester to Elizabeth freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Worcester commonly ships biotech products, fabricated metals, medical instruments, 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 Worcester?
Yes. Elizabeth is a strong outbound market shipping re-exported containers, refined petroleum, chemicals. Carriers returning from Elizabeth to Worcester can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Worcester-to-Elizabeth lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Worcester to Elizabeth?
The Worcester-to-Elizabeth corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Worcester's top outbound commodities include biotech products, fabricated metals, medical instruments, wire & cable, plastic products, abrasives. Elizabeth's primary inbound freight includes imported containers, crude oil, consumer electronics, apparel, furniture & home goods, automotive parts. Industries driving this lane include biotech manufacturing and metal fabrication from Worcester and container port operations and intermodal logistics in Elizabeth.
Get Exact Rates for Worcester to Elizabeth
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Worcester to Elizabeth lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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