Louisiana Freight Services
Gulf Coast petrochemical and port powerhouse
Louisiana's freight market is dominated by the petrochemical industry, with the state's refinery corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans — known as "Cancer Alley" or the Chemical Corridor — containing the highest concentration of refineries and chemical plants in the United States, processing 19% of all US petroleum refining capacity. The Port of South Louisiana is the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere, handling over 500 million tons annually through facilities stretched along 54 miles of the Mississippi River. New Orleans and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet provide access for deep-draft vessels, while barge-to-truck transfers along the river create unique multi-modal freight opportunities. Louisiana's seafood industry (crawfish, shrimp, oysters), agriculture (sugarcane, rice, soybeans), and LNG export terminals at Cameron and Sabine Pass add diverse freight volume beyond petrochemicals.
#1 Western Hemisphere
Port of South LA Tonnage
19% of US Capacity
Petroleum Refining
500M+ tons/yr
Mississippi River Transfers
3 Major
LNG Export Terminals
Key Industries in Louisiana
These industries drive the majority of freight demand in Louisiana. We source carriers experienced in each sector.
Petrochemical/Refining
Port Operations
Oil & Gas
Agriculture
Seafood
LNG Export
Major Freight Cities in Louisiana
These metro areas generate the highest freight volume in Louisiana. We have carrier coverage in every one.
New Orleans
LA
Baton Rouge
LA
Shreveport
LA
Lafayette
LA
Lake Charles
LA
Monroe
LA
Key Freight Lanes
High-volume lanes originating in or passing through Louisiana. We maintain active carrier capacity on each route.
New Orleans Port → Nationwide
Primary freight lane
Baton Rouge → Houston
Primary freight lane
Lake Charles → Dallas
Primary freight lane
Shreveport → Memphis
Primary freight lane
Equipment Demand in Louisiana
The most in-demand trailer types for Louisiana freight. We source carriers with the right equipment for your loads.
Tanker
Petrochemical corridor — largest refinery concentration in US
Flatbed
Industrial equipment, oil & gas, construction
Dry Van
Port cargo distribution, retail, manufacturing
Reefer
Seafood (crawfish, shrimp), agriculture, food processing
Freight Equipment Services in Louisiana
View detailed carrier matching information for each equipment type available in Louisiana.
Industry Freight Services in Louisiana
View detailed carrier matching information for each industry sector shipping freight in Louisiana.
Seasonal Freight Patterns in Louisiana
Louisiana freight is affected heavily by hurricane season (June-November), which can shut down Gulf Coast ports and I-10 operations for days. Crawfish season (January-May) creates specialized reefer demand from the Atchafalaya Basin. Petrochemical operations run year-round but scheduled plant turnarounds (spring and fall) generate surges in heavy-haul and flatbed demand for maintenance equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Freight
Common questions about shipping freight in Louisiana, including costs, transit times, and carrier availability.
How do petrochemical operations affect Louisiana trucking?
Louisiana's petrochemical corridor along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans (Cancer Alley) contains over 150 chemical plants and refineries. This generates enormous tanker, flatbed, and specialized heavy-haul demand for chemicals, petroleum products, and industrial equipment. Hazmat-certified carriers command premium rates.
What role does the Port of New Orleans/South Louisiana play?
The Port of South Louisiana is the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere, handling grain exports, petroleum, and chemicals. The Port of New Orleans adds container and break-bulk volumes. Together, they generate massive drayage and intermodal demand along the I-10 and River Road corridors.
What are Louisiana's key freight routes?
I-10 runs east-west across the southern part of the state from Texas through Baton Rouge to New Orleans. I-20 crosses the northern part through Shreveport and Monroe. I-49 connects Shreveport to Lafayette. I-12 links Baton Rouge to Slidell, bypassing New Orleans. The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge on I-10 (18 miles) can bottleneck during high water events.
What hazmat certifications are needed for Louisiana operations?
Carriers hauling from Louisiana's petrochemical corridor need hazmat endorsements, TWIC cards for port and facility access, and often specific chemical handling certifications. Tanker endorsements are essential for liquid bulk movements. Facilities along the Mississippi chemical corridor typically require carriers to complete site-specific safety orientations.
Freight Shipping Resources
Need a Freight Carrier in Louisiana?
Tell us about your Louisiana freight — origin, destination, equipment needs — and we will match you with vetted carriers who run these lanes every week.