Chicago, IL to New York, NY
790-mile freight corridor via I-80 E through Ohio and Pennsylvania, I-80 to I-78 E, NJ Turnpike into NYC metro. 2 days transit. Challenging difficulty.
Distance
790 mi
Transit Time
2 days
Difficulty
Toll Cost
$75-120
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.45 | $1,935.5 |
| Reefer | $2.90 | $2,291 |
| Flatbed | $3.10 | $2,449 |
Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.
Route Details
Recommended Route
I-80 E through Ohio and Pennsylvania, I-80 to I-78 E, NJ Turnpike into NYC metro
Fuel Stops
4 recommended
Tolls
$75-120
Common Freight Types
Backhaul Information
Good Backhaul Availability
Average backhaul rate: $2.20/mi
Common return cargo: Imports from NJ ports, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods
Key Stops Along the Route
Chicago, IL
Origin
Toledo, OH
Cleveland, OH
Youngstown, OH
Stroudsburg, PA
Newark, NJ
New York, NY
Destination
Seasonal Trends
One of the highest-volume lanes in the US year-round. Peak before every major holiday. Winter weather across Pennsylvania mountains can add 6-12 hours. Rates surge before Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Trucker Tips for This Lane
Tolls eat into your margin hard on this lane. Factor $75-120 in tolls into your rate -- do not accept loads that do not cover them.
Get an E-ZPass Multi-Protocol transponder. It works on OH, PA, and NJ turnpikes and saves 20-30% vs cash.
The PA mountains (Pocono Plateau) between Stroudsburg and Bloomsburg get brutal lake-effect snow. Carry chains.
NYC metro deliveries require knowing the specific borough restrictions. Many bridges have height and weight limits. Confirm your route before departing.
Park at the TA Bloomsbury or Pilot Bordentown in NJ. Truck parking in Manhattan is essentially nonexistent.