Akron, OH
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Akron.
Metro area
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.49 |
| Reefer | $2.85 |
| Flatbed | $3.07 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-77I-76I-80 (Ohio Turnpike)OH-8US-224
Top Industries
Polymer & rubber manufacturing
Tire production
Chemical processing
Healthcare
Major Distribution Centers
USPS Akron Processing Center
Amazon Akron delivery station
Acme Fresh Market distribution
Top Shippers
G
Goodyear TireB
Bridgestone FirestoneG
GOJO Industries (Purell)F
FirstEnergyNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-77
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (I-76 Exit 27)
Love's Travel Stop (I-77 Exit 136 Canton area)
Flying J (I-76 & OH-44)
Challenges
- Hilly terrain with steep grades on I-77 south of Akron.
- Aging infrastructure on I-76/I-77 interchange causes frequent lane closures.
- Snow and ice in winter create hazardous conditions on steep Ohio grades.
Opportunities
- Central location provides access to loads heading in every direction
- Massive intermodal and rail hub infrastructure in Chicago area
- Strong agricultural freight during harvest season
- Lower cost of living and operating costs improve net margins
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Harvest season (August-November) generates enormous grain and produce volume. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Winter weather (November-March) causes delays but also rate spikes. Spring flooding can disrupt river-adjacent routes.
Trucking in Akron — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Akron: Dry Van $2.49, Reefer $2.85, Flatbed $3.07. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Akron is rated "fair." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (I-76 Exit 27), Love's Travel Stop (I-77 Exit 136 Canton area), Flying J (I-76 & OH-44). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Akron freight market include Goodyear Tire, Bridgestone Firestone, GOJO Industries (Purell), FirstEnergy. Key industries driving freight demand are polymer & rubber manufacturing, tire production, chemical processing.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Akron include: Hilly terrain with steep grades on I-77 south of Akron.; Aging infrastructure on I-76/I-77 interchange causes frequent lane closures.; Snow and ice in winter create hazardous conditions on steep Ohio grades.. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.