RATE INDEX

Drayage Rates — Chicago Intermodal Rail Hubs

Chicago is the largest intermodal hub in North America, with BNSF and Union Pacific ramps at Logistics Park Chicago (Elwood), Global IV (BNSF), Cicero Avenue (BNSF), and Global I (UP/Norfolk Southern). Chicago intermodal drayage carriers move containers between these rail ramps and distribution centers across the greater Chicago metro, often serving as the final inland leg for containers originating at West Coast ports.

Rate benchmarks are estimates for a standard 40' dry container, local move. Last updated: May 2026. Actual rates vary by carrier and market conditions — always confirm directly.

$175 - $270
BASE RATE
22%
FUEL SURCH.
$25 - $40
CHASSIS SPLIT
+2%
YOY TREND
435
CARRIERS

Surcharges & Fees

CHARGE
AMOUNT
NOTES
Chicago Rail Ramp Access Fee
Varies by carrier
Some ramps (BNSF Logistics Park, UP Global IV) charge access or appointment fees passed through by carriers.
Chassis Split Fee
$25 - $40
Below average. Chicago's high intermodal volume supports better chassis pool liquidity than many seaports.
After-Hours Pickup
$50 - $100
For containers with short last-free-day windows requiring weekend or overnight ramp pickup.
Extended Region Delivery
$75 - $200
For deliveries beyond the standard Chicago metro zone — e.g., Milwaukee, Indianapolis, or Detroit.

Market Context

Chicago intermodal rates are the lowest among major US container corridors, reflecting the market's scale efficiency and absence of port-specific compliance costs (no TWIC required, no CARB standards). UIIA membership remains essential — all major Chicago ramps use UIIA chassis pools. The key operational variable is ramp appointment availability: BNSF and UP both operate appointment-based gate systems, and appointment slots can be scarce during peak import seasons.

Base Rate
One-way local move, 40' dry container, port to warehouse within 25 miles. No fuel surcharge, chassis, or port fees included.
Fuel Surcharge
Percentage added on top of base rate. Tracks diesel index, updated monthly by most carriers.
Chassis Split
Added when carrier must collect chassis from a separate pool location before the terminal gate.
Browse Chicago Rail carriers ← All ports

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