Truck Driving in Chicago

Chicago is the #1 rail-freight hub in North America and a critical drayage market. Truckers face congestion, low-clearance viaducts, and strict Illinois toll enforcement.

Truck Restrictions

Lake Shore Drive is passenger-only. Chicago Skyway (I-90) has 13'6" clearances but is truck-legal. Multiple viaducts under CTA lines drop to 11'6" — verify before deviating from posted truck routes.

Intermodal Ramps

BNSF Corwith, BNSF LPC (Elwood/Joliet), UP Global 1–4, CSX Bedford Park, NS 47th St. Elwood/Joliet handles more container volume than any other U.S. inland facility.

Tolls

ISTHA covers I-90, I-88, I-294, I-355. Register I-PASS or use compatible transponder. Cash tolls are double the transponder rate.

Parking

Gary IN, Hammond IN, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Portage IN. Overnight parking inside Chicago proper is extremely limited and heavily enforced.