Great Lakes Industrial Loop Dry Van Freight Shipping Services

May 06, 2025

The Great Lakes Industrial Loop connects Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo. This corridor forms a 550 mile network around Lake Erie, linking the heart of American manufacturing with key distribution points for cross border and domestic freight.

Key Route Highlights

  • Distance: Approximately 550 miles around Lake Erie
  • Major hubs: Detroit, Toledo, Cleveland, Erie, Buffalo, Pittsburgh
  • Industries served: Automotive, steel, manufacturing, cross border trade

Strategic Advantages

Cross Border Connectivity

International access via the Detroit Windsor and Buffalo Toronto gateways keeps freight moving between U.S. and Canadian markets. Ideal for just in time automotive shipments, raw materials, and finished goods.

Industrial Density

Detroit’s automotive network, Cleveland’s heavy manufacturing base, and Pittsburgh’s advanced metals and technology sectors create steady, predictable volumes for dry van freight.

Great Lakes Shipping Integration

Lake Erie ports such as Toledo and Erie enable multimodal moves that combine trucking with rail and vessel transport to lower cost and reduce congestion.

MigWay Freight Solutions

MigWay operates dry van and flatbed services across the loop with precision, safety, and speed.

Dry Van Freight

  • Automotive parts, steel products, consumer goods
  • 53 ft trailers with air ride for sensitive cargo
  • Live tracking and 24/7 dispatch

Flatbed Freight

  • Steel coils, machinery, building materials
  • Full securement gear and compliance ready setups
  • Experienced drivers for specialized loading

Why Shippers Choose MigWay

  • Asset based reliability: 269 trucks and 450 trailers with zero outsourcing
  • Cross border efficiency: Streamlined documentation and customs clearance
  • Precision planning: Elevation aware routing for fuel efficiency and timing
  • On time performance: Schedules coordinated with Great Lakes shipping timetables

Industries We Serve

Industry Common Freight Equipment Type
Automotive Components, tires, tooling Dry Van
Steel and Metals Coils, bars, sheets Flatbed
Manufacturing Equipment, parts, packaging Dry Van
Construction Fabricated steel, heavy materials Flatbed
Cross Border Trade Finished goods, pallets, general freight Dry Van

Regional Advantages

  • Detroit, MI: Automotive and supplier base
  • Cleveland, OH: Steel and manufacturing clusters
  • Pittsburgh, PA: Metal fabrication and energy technology
  • Buffalo, NY: Distribution gateway to Canada and the Northeast

The loop supports same day or next day delivery among the major hubs for agile replenishment and responsive distribution.

FAQ

What freight does MigWay haul on this route?

Dry van and flatbed freight including automotive parts, steel, machinery, and consumer goods.

Do you handle cross border shipments into Canada?

Yes. We manage customs documentation and border clearance through Detroit Windsor and Buffalo Toronto crossings.

How far is the full loop?

Approximately 550 miles connecting Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Buffalo around Lake Erie.

Why use dry van on this corridor?

Dry van protects freight from weather and theft while staying flexible for varied commodities.

Can you coordinate with Great Lakes shipping schedules?

Yes. We align trucking schedules with port operations to cut dwell and lower total cost.

Do you provide live tracking?

Yes. Trucks and trailers are GPS tracked with real time visibility 24/7.

What are driver qualifications?

CDL A, at least two years of recent OTR experience, and clean safety records.

Do you work with both OEMs and smaller suppliers?

Yes. We serve OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and independent shippers across the region.

How are you different from a broker?

We own the equipment and employ the drivers, which gives you accountability and consistent performance.

How can I request a quote?

Visit https://migway.com/services/dry-van/ or call +1 980 255 3200.

Get a Freight Quote

Ready to move dry van or flatbed freight on the Great Lakes Industrial Loop? Contact MigWay for a schedule and rate that fits your operation.

Want to drive with us?

Join the team
**Please be aware of scammers impersonating MigWay via email.

Any legitimate email from us will have an "@migway.com" domain.**