Freight activity, transport behavior, and carrier movement trends across Alabama’s shipping network.
Freight transportation in Alabama is shaped by three very different landscapes: the coastal shipping environment along the Gulf, the industrial and distribution corridors in the central counties, and the higher-elevation terrain that extends toward the Tennessee Valley. These regions influence both routing patterns and carrier deployment, supporting a shipping market built around manufacturing, forestry, agriculture, and regional distribution. Alabama-based fleets report more than 1.82 billion miles each year, demonstrating how frequently equipment travels between major hubs and smaller rural production areas.
The state’s driver base is substantial, with 40,213 total drivers on record and 31,751 holding commercial licenses. Interstate work dominates much of the activity: 21,116 drivers cover long-distance routes beyond the 100-mile range, while 11,892 operate shorter interstate segments. Intrastate movement remains active too, with 5,940 drivers running local in-state deliveries and 1,264 servicing longer internal corridors. These operating patterns create a dependable environment for freight brokers working manufacturing outbound loads, agricultural cycles, and timber-related movements.
Shipping behavior in Alabama is heavily influenced by the state’s north–south and east–west transport structure. Corridors including i20, i59, i65, and i85 handle significant freight movement, tying together manufacturing plants, distribution facilities, port-linked operations, and rural commodity zones. Freight brokers scheduling loads in Alabama often build routes that leverage these well-established lanes to maintain timing reliability and predictable equipment availability.
Carriers serving central Alabama support a concentration of manufacturing and industrial facilities. Large machinery carriers number 586 statewide, and metals carriers total 269 — both groups central to the movement of manufactured components, construction inputs, and heavy equipment. These carriers enable freight brokers to secure specialized equipment for industrial loads that follow recurring production schedules.
Wood products and forestry operations form one of Alabama’s most consistent freight categories. Logging and pole transport is supported by 529 dedicated carriers, many of which run predictable loops between timber stands, mills, and processing facilities. These corridors generate steady flatbed demand and supply freight brokers with year-round movement opportunities tied to forestry production cycles.
Southern Alabama blends industrial, agricultural, and Gulf-linked freight. Dry-bulk carriers total 180 statewide, supporting material handling, industrial inputs, and production facilities along the coastal corridor. Motor- vehicle transport is another significant component, with 224 carriers moving automobiles and components tied to Alabama’s automotive manufacturing economy. Produce-focused carriers, totaling 97 statewide, contribute seasonal refrigerator-unit demand for short-haul and regional food distribution.
The state’s freight profile includes a broad mix of manufactured goods, agricultural shipments, forestry products, and construction-related materials. Building-material carriers number 459 statewide and support residential, commercial, and infrastructure development across both metropolitan and rural counties. Refrigerated operations account for 136 carriers, supplying cold-food, dairy, and packaged goods to regional distribution networks.
Agricultural shipments add to this mix, supported by 184 farm-supply carriers and 118 livestock haulers. These operations connect rural counties with feed distributors, processing plants, and regional markets. Freight brokers working agricultural and forestry-related lanes often rely on predictable seasonal cycles and strong relationships with carriers that operate within narrower commodity segments.
Each region within Alabama contributes differently to the state’s shipping ecosystem. Northern Alabama supports a strong manufacturing and technology presence, producing steady outbound industrial freight. Central counties serve distribution hubs and fabrication centers. Southern Alabama blends agricultural output with coastal and industrial freight tied to processing facilities and Gulf-related trade. These differing regional identities give freight brokers a wide range of load-matching options across multiple commodity groups.
Alabama’s freight system benefits from reliable roadway connections, intermodal access points, and industrial corridors that allow carriers to reposition equipment efficiently. Rail lines complement truckload operations by handling bulk and long-range commodities, while distribution centers and industrial parks expand staging and delivery options. This infrastructure helps freight brokers maintain consistent routing strategies even during shifts in commodity demand or seasonal freight surges.