Trucking in Illinois

Illinois is the freight brain of North America — Chicago intermodal and six interstates crossing the state.

Major interstates

I-55, I-57, I-70, I-74, I-80, I-88, I-90, and I-94. Tri-State (I-294) is the through-truck route.

Permits

Federal 80,000 lb. IDOT and City of Chicago both issue permits.

Weather

Lake-effect snow in Chicago metro; blizzards can close I-80/I-88.

Weigh stations

Illinois Tollway requires I-Pass/E-ZPass; cash lanes gone for trucks.

Freight hubs

Chicago is the largest intermodal rail hub in North America. BNSF Elwood and UP Global IV handle 5M+ lifts annually.

Frequently asked

I-Pass required?

Yes — cash truck lanes eliminated; without transponder rates are 3x higher.

Fastest around Chicago?

I-294 through-truck route.

Elwood parking?

Fills by 4 pm.