Chicago, IL
Freight Shipping in Chicago
Chicago is the primary freight rail hub of North America, according to CREATE: one-fourth of the nation’s freight rail traffic goes to, from or through it each day.
Corridors
Highways carrying Chicago freight
I-90/94, I-55, I-80
Facts
Chicago freight: what to know
- CREATE says that every day one-fourth of the nation’s freight rail traffic, about 37,500 railcars, is heading to, from or through Chicago. Source: CREATE program: Impact on the rail industry, checked November 11, 2026.
- 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.
FAQ
Chicago freight shipping — common questions
What are the main freight highways through Chicago?
Freight through Chicago moves primarily via I-90/94, I-55, I-80.
What kind of freight moves through Chicago?
Chicago is the primary freight rail hub of North America, according to CREATE: one-fourth of the nation’s freight rail traffic goes to, from or through it each day.