Salem, OR
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Salem.
Metro area
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
West Coast
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.68 |
| Reefer | $3.13 |
| Flatbed | $3.31 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-93NH-28NH-97NH-111
Top Industries
Retail
Distribution
Hospitality
Construction
Major Distribution Centers
Various retailer receiving operations
Small distribution operations on NH-28
Top Shippers
M
Mall at Rockingham Park tenantsT
Tuscan Village retailersV
Various big-box retailersNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-93
Truck Stops
Irving (I-93 Exit 2)
Shell (NH-28 south)
Challenges
- Extreme retail traffic congestion on NH-28 and Rockingham Park Boulevard, especially weekends and holidays.
- I-93 is heavily congested through Salem.
- Very limited truck parking and staging areas.
- Tight delivery windows at retail locations.
Opportunities
- Port-driven import freight creates consistent outbound load demand
- Produce freight runs nearly year-round from California's Central Valley
- Premium rates compensate for higher operating costs
- Tech sector growth fuels e-commerce distribution expansion
Seasonal Freight Patterns
California produce runs nearly year-round, with peak harvest June through October. Holiday retail surge is strong September through December. Wildfire season (July-October) can disrupt routes. Winter mountain pass closures affect I-80 and I-70 corridors.
Trucking in Salem — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Salem: Dry Van $2.68, Reefer $3.13, Flatbed $3.31. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Salem is rated "fair." Popular stops include Irving (I-93 Exit 2), Shell (NH-28 south). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Salem freight market include Mall at Rockingham Park tenants, Tuscan Village retailers, Various big-box retailers. Key industries driving freight demand are retail, distribution, hospitality.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Salem include: Extreme retail traffic congestion on NH-28 and Rockingham Park Boulevard, especially weekends and holidays.; I-93 is heavily congested through Salem.; Very limited truck parking and staging areas.. However, opportunities include port-driven import freight creates consistent outbound load demand.