Chicago is the largest inland freight hub in North America. Seven Class I railroads converge here. I-90, I-94, I-80, I-55, I-57, I-65 all pass through or near the metro. More freight moves through Chicago than any city outside of the coasts — which means more brokers, more competition, and more variation in quality. Here's how to find the right one.
Chicago freight has unique cost pressures: urban pickup/delivery surcharges add $100-300 per load, rail terminal congestion causes delays on intermodal freight, inner-city driver availability is tighter than suburbs, and the concentration of 900+ brokers in Chicago means carrier relationships matter more than anywhere else.
Shippers in the Chicago suburbs (Elgin, Aurora, Joliet, Waukegan, Naperville) often save 15-25% by avoiding inner-city Chicago charges. Brokers headquartered in the suburbs — like IZY Logistics in Mundelein — have carrier relationships built around suburban pickup/delivery, which reduces deadhead costs and improves carrier reliability.
Deep carrier relationships on your specific lanes. Fast quoting — Chicago is a competitive market, good capacity goes fast. 24/7 availability — Chicago shippers often need off-hours coverage. Knowledge of accessorials — Chicago has specific surcharges for hazmat, residential, and limited access that out-of-town brokers miss.
Chicago to Miami (reefer): $2,800-4,200 FTL. Chicago to Atlanta: $1,400-2,000 FTL. Chicago to Dallas: $1,600-2,400 FTL. Chicago to New York: $1,800-2,600 FTL. Chicago to Los Angeles: $2,400-3,400 FTL. Rates fluctuate significantly with fuel and seasonal demand — always get a current quote.
IZY Logistics LLC is based in Mundelein, IL — 35 miles north of Chicago. We are licensed (MC #1615290) and have reefer equipment operating on Midwest lanes. We cover dry van, reefer, flatbed, and power only — same day quoting at izylogistics.com/quote or by phone at +1(877)IZY-LOGS.
IZY Logistics is a licensed freight broker and reefer carrier (MC #1615290) serving shippers across all 48 states. Get a competitive quote in under 30 seconds.
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