Shippers everywhere can now find competitive rates for freight shipping and carriers in the Orlando, Florida area with Convoy. Our digital freight network can instantly connect you with freight quotes on loads being shipped through Orlando.
Orlando Freight Shipping Quotes
Freight Shipping in Orlando
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2017 Florida ranked eighth for shipping the greatest value of freight out of all the U.S. states: $313,862 million worth of freight was shipped into Florida, $382,256 million was shipped within Florida, and $186,421 million worth of freight goods were shipped outbound from the state.
Florida was also in the top 10 states with the most outbound reefer loads, ranking in 9th place with 481,845 loads in 2020.
Orlando, Florida is known for being one of the world’s only quadramodal transportation centers, meaning the state has shipping opportunities by land, air, sea, and even space. The Orlando area also has over 30 trucking company terminals with shipping rates more than 10% less than the national average.
Surrounded by sea ports, the state of Florida gives manufacturers numerous options when it comes to exporting goods across the Atlantic or through the Gulf of Mexico, and its location is also prime real estate for moving inbound international shipments through the state and to the rest of the country.
When shipping freight through Orlando, keep in mind that commute times in this area are slightly above national average, which could impact delivery schedules.
Major Industries and Commercial Activity in Orlando
If you’ve ever been to Disney World or Universal Studios, you know that Orlando, Florida is a hub for tourism and the entertainment industry. In fact, tourism supports roughly one-third of Orlando’s economy.
In addition to entertainment and tourism, Orlando’s major industries include technology, aerospace, aviation, biotechnology, and manufacturing.
As of 2020, a total of 18 Fortune 500 companies have their headquarters in Florida, including Tech Data, World Fuel Services, and Publix Super Markets.
The Orlando area produces the following types of goods that are then delivered within and out of Florida:
- Aviation and aerospace equipment
- Computer software
- Power generation systems
- Wireless communications
- Processed foods
- Agricultural products
- Film and video productions
- Data systems equipment
- Metal fabrication and parts
- Power plant systems
- Microelectronics
- Laser equipment
- Plastic products
Orlando’s port location as well as its status as a homebase for several technology-related companies make it a prime locale for manufacturing and distributing high-tech products in industries such as military, entertainment, biotechnology, aircraft services, and digital media.
How Weather Impacts Freight Shipping in Orlando
Extreme or poor weather can negatively impact delivery times no matter where you are, including Orlando. The state of Florida ranks No. 1 in a list of states with the most hurricanes since 1851, with 37 major hurricanes and 120 total.
Hurricanes have been a very real issue for the state — Florida has seen almost twice as many hurricanes as Texas, which ranks second on the list. In 1995, Hurricane Andrew was the second most recent category 5 hurricane, and wiped out more than 25,000 homes in Florida. However, Florida has only experienced four severe storms and two hurricanes in the last decade.
Storms and poor weather in Florida can cause major floods and other backups that will delay delivery times, so keep up-to-date on the latest Orlando weather incidents.
Freight Carriers in Orlando
Next to teaching, truck driving is one of the most common jobs in Florida — so you’ll typically have little issue finding the right freight carrier to move your shipment.
With over 25,000 trucks that serve almost 1,000 facilities in Orlando, Convoy’s digital freight network is making it easier than ever to connect you with quality carriers in the area.