Providence, RI
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Providence.
Metro area
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-95I-195I-295US-1US-6RI-146
Top Industries
Healthcare
Financial services
Maritime/Port operations
Higher education
Major Distribution Centers
CVS Health distribution hub
McLane Northeast distribution
Sysco Boston (serves RI)
Top Shippers
M
Motiva Enterprises (petroleum terminal)Q
Quonset Development CorporationC
Citizens Financial GroupC
CVS Health (headquarters)Nearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-95
Truck Stops
Petro Stopping Center (I-95 Exit 6 East Greenwich)
Shell (I-295 Exit 9 Warwick)
Cumberland Farms (I-95 Exit 19)
Challenges
- Rhode Island has the worst road and bridge conditions in New England, with many bridges posted for reduced weight limits.
- The I-95 corridor through Providence is extremely congested during commute hours.
- Limited truck parking throughout the state forces many drivers to park at Quonset Point or cross into Massachusetts or Connecticut.
- Winter nor'easters and coastal flooding can disrupt port operations and close I-195.
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 Providence — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Providence: Dry Van $2.88, Reefer $3.29, Flatbed $3.48. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Providence is rated "fair." Popular stops include Petro Stopping Center (I-95 Exit 6 East Greenwich), Shell (I-295 Exit 9 Warwick), Cumberland Farms (I-95 Exit 19). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Providence freight market include Motiva Enterprises (petroleum terminal), Quonset Development Corporation, Citizens Financial Group, CVS Health (headquarters). Key industries driving freight demand are healthcare, financial services, maritime/port operations.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Providence include: Rhode Island has the worst road and bridge conditions in New England, with many bridges posted for reduced weight limits.; The I-95 corridor through Providence is extremely congested during commute hours.; Limited truck parking throughout the state forces many drivers to park at Quonset Point or cross into Massachusetts or Connecticut.. However, opportunities include highest population density in the us creates constant consumer freight demand.