790 miles · Est. 12.0 hours · Avg $2.80/mile · Gross $2,212
Lane Overview
790
Miles
$2.80
Avg rate/mile
$2,212
Avg gross rate
easy
Competition
Chicago to New York eastbound on I-80 or I-90 through Ohio and Pennsylvania is one of the most important long-haul lanes in the country. Chicago's manufacturing output — consumer goods, electronics, food and beverage — feeds New York City's insatiable retail and food service market. At $2.70–$2.90/mile for 790 miles on this easy-rated corridor, freight is abundant and shippers compete for trucks. The $55 in tolls (Illinois I-Pass plus Pennsylvania Turnpike) is unavoidable — calculate it into your rate.
I-90 east through Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to I-78 east into New Jersey is the northern route. I-80 east is the southern Ohio alternative through Youngstown and the NJ Turnpike. Pennsylvania Turnpike on I-80 adds $40 in tolls. New York City delivery requires navigating the Lincoln Tunnel or GW Bridge approaches, both of which have commercial vehicle restrictions at certain times. Return loads New York to Chicago (Lane 32) carry retail goods and fashion merchandise westbound at $2.65–$2.85/mile.
Driver Tip
Use our Load Profitability Calculator to check if this lane covers your operating costs before accepting a load.
Return Freight
New York to Chicago
790 miles · $2.75/mile avg
Trip Costs
Fuel Estimate
$293
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$55
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$1,864
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Chicago to New York is one of the foundational long-haul lanes in the country. 790 miles, strong rates, and consistent freight year-round. This is the kind of lane that builds trucking businesses when you run it correctly. Chicago produces, New York consumes — it's that simple. But 790 miles with $55 in tolls and a New York delivery destination requires logistical precision. Get your entry point into the NYC metro correct, and this is a straightforward and profitable run.
Chicago's manufacturing output is diverse — consumer goods from the enormous Chicagoland distribution infrastructure, electronics, food and beverage from the city's substantial food processing sector, and manufacturing components from the Great Lakes industrial corridor. New York City is America's largest consumer market and needs constant resupply. Fashion merchandise from Chicago's apparel industry, financial services freight, and media production supplies round out the mix. The sheer volume of load options out of Chicago makes this an easy lane to find freight on.
Two primary routes: I-90 east through Indiana, Ohio (Cleveland), Pennsylvania (Erie), and I-78 east through New Jersey — this is the northern toll route. I-80 east through Indiana (South Bend), Ohio (Youngstown), Pennsylvania Turnpike — this adds $40+ on the PA Turnpike. Cleveland and Pittsburgh on the I-80 south routing are waypoint fuel stops. For NYC metro delivery: GW Bridge into the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, Lincoln Tunnel into Midtown and Jersey City, or New Jersey Turnpike south to Staten Island and Verrazzano for Brooklyn. Plan your NYC approach before you depart Chicago — wrong bridge means wrong borough and hours of backtracking in city traffic.
At $2.70–$2.90/mile with $55 in tolls, you're netting roughly $2.63–$2.83/mile effective. On 790 miles, that's a strong gross. The easy rating on this lane reflects the abundant freight availability — shippers move fast on this corridor and don't want to wait for trucks. Direct shipper relationships with Chicago DCs at Midwest companies like Walmart's Chicago facilities or Amazon's Joliet-area fulfillment centers give you consistent bookings.
New York to Chicago westbound (Lane 32) brings fashion, retail, and financial services freight back at $2.65–$2.85/mile. This is a genuine two-way lane — plan your NYC dwell time carefully to maximize the return booking window.
I-78 vs. I-80 — which do I take eastbound?
I-78 through New Jersey (northern route) is better for Manhattan and northern NJ delivery. I-80 through the PA Turnpike is better for central NJ and Staten Island delivery. Check your delivery address before you leave Chicago.
What time should I arrive at the GW Bridge to avoid the worst congestion?
The GWB is consistently congested 6–9am and 3–7pm weekdays. Arrive before 5:30am or plan to wait until after 8pm. Midday crossing (10am–2pm) is your next best option.
How do I calculate the actual toll cost on this run?
Illinois I-90 tollway: approximately $15. Indiana Toll Road: approximately $15. Ohio Turnpike (I-80/90): approximately $15. Pennsylvania Turnpike varies by routing. Total tolls: budget $55–$75 depending on your route. Factor this into your rate negotiation upfront.
Dispatch Service
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