Intermodal Trucking in Chicago, IL

Market rates, top lanes, earnings estimates, and freight insights for intermodal owner-operators in Chicago.

$2.41

Rate / Mile

$20,485

Est. Gross / Month

$13,315

Est. Net / Month

Midwest

Market Region

About Intermodal Trucking

Intermodal drayage involves hauling containers between rail yards, ports, and distribution centers. Short-haul but high-frequency work, concentrated around major rail hubs and port cities.

Intermodal Market in the Midwest

The Midwest is the crossroads of American freight, with Chicago serving as the undisputed hub. I-80, I-90, and I-70 carry enormous dry van volume connecting coasts. Automotive parts, consumer goods, and agricultural products make up the bulk of loads. Competition is fierce but volume is massive. Carriers based near Chicago, Indianapolis, or Columbus benefit from exceptional load availability in virtually every direction.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Chicago

Chicago IL → Detroit MI

Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH

Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO

St. Louis MO → Nashville TN

Why Chicago for Intermodal

Key Industries

Intermodal freight
Food processing
Manufacturing
E-commerce fulfillment
Automotive

Key Highways

I-90I-94I-55I-80I-88I-290I-57

Top Shippers

Kraft Heinz
Caterpillar
John Deere
Archer Daniels Midland

Distribution Centers Near Chicago

Amazon MDW2 (Joliet)

Walmart Distribution Center (Elwood)

IKEA Distribution Center (Joliet)

Home Depot RDC (Joliet)

Target Import Warehouse (Joliet)

Costco Depot (Mettawa)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in Chicago?

Compare top dispatch services for intermodal carriers operating in the Chicago, IL market. Find the right partner for your lanes and equipment.

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Intermodal Trucking in Chicago — FAQ

The estimated intermodal rate in Chicago is $2.41 per loaded mile. This reflects the Midwest regional market, local demand, and seasonal conditions. Actual rates vary by lane, broker, and load specifics.

Based on current market estimates, a intermodal owner-operator based in Chicago can expect approximately $20,485 gross monthly revenue and around $13,315 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.

Top intermodal lanes from the Chicago market include: Chicago IL → Detroit MI, Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH, Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO, St. Louis MO → Nashville TN. These lanes reflect the Midwest freight patterns and may vary by season.

Chicago is located in the Midwest freight region with key industries including intermodal freight, food processing, manufacturing. Access to I-90, I-94, I-55 provides strong connectivity. Rates are competitive with the national average.

Key highways for intermodal freight in Chicago include I-90, I-94, I-55, I-80, I-88, I-290, I-57. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the Midwest region.