New Bedford, MA
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in New Bedford.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Northeast
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.88 |
| Reefer | $3.29 |
| Flatbed | $3.48 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-195MA-140MA-18US-6
Top Industries
Commercial Fishing
Offshore Wind Energy
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Major Distribution Centers
Sysco Boston (nearby)
Seafood processing and cold storage facilities
Top Shippers
N
New Bedford port fisheriesO
Offshore wind developersT
Titleist/Acushnet (nearby)Nearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-195
Truck Stops
Shell (I-195 at MA-140)
Cumberland Farms (Route 6)
Challenges
- Narrow waterfront streets near fish auction houses, strict reefer temperature requirements for seafood loads, seasonal fishing volume fluctuations, and limited truck staging near the port.
- Heavy toll costs on turnpikes and bridges cut into margins
- Dense traffic congestion in metro areas creates delivery delays
- Strict urban delivery windows and limited truck access zones
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 New Bedford — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of New Bedford: Dry Van $2.88, Reefer $3.29, Flatbed $3.48. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in New Bedford is rated "fair." Popular stops include Shell (I-195 at MA-140), Cumberland Farms (Route 6). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the New Bedford freight market include New Bedford port fisheries, Offshore wind developers, Titleist/Acushnet (nearby). Key industries driving freight demand are commercial fishing, offshore wind energy, manufacturing.
The biggest challenges for truckers in New Bedford include: Narrow waterfront streets near fish auction houses, strict reefer temperature requirements for seafood loads, seasonal fishing volume fluctuations, and limited truck staging near the port.; Heavy toll costs on turnpikes and bridges cut into margins; Dense traffic congestion in metro areas creates delivery delays. However, opportunities include highest population density in the us creates constant consumer freight demand.