Illinois
Freight Shipping in Illinois
Chicago is the primary freight rail hub of North America, according to the CREATE program, and the interstates in this list run through the region.
Main Corridors
Highways carrying Illinois freight
I-90/94, I-55, I-57, I-80
Facts
Illinois freight: what to know
- The CREATE program says Chicago is the primary freight rail hub of North America, with about 500 freight and 800 passenger and commuter trains through the region every day. Source: CREATE program: Impact on the rail industry, checked November 11, 2026.
- The Illinois Department of Transportation says about 1.6 billion tons of freight, worth $2.5 trillion, flowed into, out of and through Illinois in 2019. Source: IDOT: Illinois State Freight Plan, checked November 13, 2026.
- IDOT’s freight plan page, citing the FHWA, says Illinois is the third busiest freight state by value and fourth by tonnage. Source: IDOT: Illinois State Freight Plan, checked November 13, 2026.
FAQ
Illinois freight shipping — common questions
What are the main freight highways through Illinois?
Freight through Illinois moves primarily via I-90/94, I-55, I-57, I-80.
What kind of freight moves through Illinois?
Chicago is the primary freight rail hub of North America, according to the CREATE program, and the interstates in this list run through the region.