Burlington, VT
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Burlington.
Metro area
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Northeast
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.79 |
| Reefer | $3.21 |
| Flatbed | $3.39 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-89I-189US-2US-7VT-127
Top Industries
Technology & Semiconductors
Healthcare
Specialty food manufacturing
Higher education (UVM)
Major Distribution Centers
Hannaford Distribution (Williston)
VT Foodbank distribution center (Barre, serving Burlington)
Sysco Northern New England satellite
Top Shippers
G
GlobalFoundriesU
UVM Medical CenterD
Dealer.com (Cox Automotive)B
Burton SnowboardsNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-89
Truck Stops
Maplefields Truck Fueling (I-89 Exit 12 Williston)
Jolley Associates (US-7 Shelburne)
Champlain Farms (I-89 Exit 16)
Challenges
- Vermont mud season (March-May) closes many rural roads and imposes weight restrictions on secondary routes.
- Heavy winter snowfall and ice on I-89 mountain passes.
- Single interstate (I-89) means no alternate route when accidents close the highway.
- Narrow downtown Burlington streets heavily restrict truck access.
Opportunities
- Highest population density in the US creates constant consumer freight demand
- Port-driven import freight from major East Coast ports
- Short-haul distances allow multiple loads per day
- Premium rates for carriers who can navigate tight urban deliveries
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Produce season runs May through October. Holiday retail surge peaks September through December. Winter nor'easters (December-March) cause significant delays and rate spikes. Spring construction season brings flatbed demand from April onward.
Trucking in Burlington — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Burlington: Dry Van $2.79, Reefer $3.21, Flatbed $3.39. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Burlington is rated "fair." Popular stops include Maplefields Truck Fueling (I-89 Exit 12 Williston), Jolley Associates (US-7 Shelburne), Champlain Farms (I-89 Exit 16). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Burlington freight market include GlobalFoundries, UVM Medical Center, Dealer.com (Cox Automotive), Burton Snowboards. Key industries driving freight demand are technology & semiconductors, healthcare, specialty food manufacturing.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Burlington include: Vermont mud season (March-May) closes many rural roads and imposes weight restrictions on secondary routes.; Heavy winter snowfall and ice on I-89 mountain passes.; Single interstate (I-89) means no alternate route when accidents close the highway.. However, opportunities include highest population density in the us creates constant consumer freight demand.