Syracuse, NY
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Syracuse.
Metro area
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Northeast
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.79 |
| Reefer | $3.20 |
| Flatbed | $3.39 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-90I-81I-690I-481NY-5
Top Industries
Defense and aerospace
Healthcare
Higher education
Food and beverage
Financial services
Major Distribution Centers
Amazon SYR1 Clay
Sysco Syracuse
Dollar General Fulton DC
Top Shippers
L
Lockheed MartinA
Anheuser-Busch InBevS
SRC IncB
Byrne DairyS
SyscoNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-90
Truck Stops
TA Travel Center Syracuse (I-90 Exit 39)
Pilot Travel Center Cicero (I-81 Exit 30)
Challenges
- Extreme lake-effect snowfall causing frequent I-90 and I-81 disruptions, I-81 viaduct construction (ongoing reconstruction project causing detours), limited truck parking in the metro core, and spring weight restrictions on rural roads.
- 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 Syracuse — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Syracuse: Dry Van $2.79, Reefer $3.20, Flatbed $3.39. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Syracuse is rated "fair." Popular stops include TA Travel Center Syracuse (I-90 Exit 39), Pilot Travel Center Cicero (I-81 Exit 30). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Syracuse freight market include Lockheed Martin, Anheuser-Busch InBev, SRC Inc, Byrne Dairy, Sysco. Key industries driving freight demand are defense and aerospace, healthcare, higher education.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Syracuse include: Extreme lake-effect snowfall causing frequent I-90 and I-81 disruptions, I-81 viaduct construction (ongoing reconstruction project causing detours), limited truck parking in the metro core, and spring weight restrictions on rural roads.; 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.