Top 10 Ports/Transportation Hubs
Explore Illinois’ most essential ports and transportation hubs that keep the state’s commerce and construction industries moving.
From freight terminals to intermodal logistics centers, these key locations play a vital role in supporting infrastructure development, supply chain efficiency, and economic growth across the region.
FEATURED PORTS AND TRANSPORTATION FIRMS
CenterPoint Intermodal Center
North America’s largest inland port and intermodal terminal complex — handling massive freight flows via both BNSF and Union Pacific rail lines.
Location: Elwood / Joliet, IL
Website: centerpointintermodal.com
Corwith Intermodal Facility (BNSF)
Historic and busy container terminal handling ~1,900 lifts per day — a vital intermodal freight hub in Chicago’s west side.
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: bnsf.com
Bensenville Yard (Canadian Pacific Kansas City)
CPKC’s largest U.S. marshaling yard with 55 service tracks — major freight switching yard just northwest of Chicago.
Location: Bensenville / Franklin Park, IL
Website: cpkc.com
Port of Chicago
Illinois’s primary lakeport on Lake Michigan — handles coal, grain, steel, and general cargo; integrated with road and rail networks.
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: portofchicago.com
Joliet Gateway Center
Modern multimodal transit center — Metra commuter rail terminus and an Amtrak stop with a major bus terminal.
Location: Joliet, IL
Website: jolietgatewaycenter.com
Chicago Union Station (Amtrak & Metra)
Fourth-busiest rail station in the U.S. — key hub for long-distance Amtrak and six Metra commuter lines in downtown Chicago.
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: chicagounionstation.com
Union Pacific Joliet Global III Intermodal Facility
Major UP intermodal yard serving Rochelle and the broader Chicago logistics corridor — part of the Global III rail complex.
Location: Rochelle, IL
Website: up.com
Illinois International Port District
Operates the Port of Chicago district — oversees dock rehabilitation, barge logistics, and infrastructure investment.
Location: Chicago, IL
Website: portofchicago.com
America’s Central Port
Strategic Mississippi River barge port in Metro-East — handles millions of tons in agricultural, steel, and industrial cargo annually.
Location: Granite City / Madison County, IL
Website: americascentralport.com
Evansville Western Railway (P&L Transportation)
Regional rail operator connecting southern Illinois with Indiana — serves freight and industrial clients along former L&N lines.
Location: Southern Illinois (Mount Vernon to Okawville region)
Website: evwr.com
