Indianapolis Freight Hub: The Crossroads of America Trucking Guide

Why Indianapolis Is the Freight Capital

Indianapolis sits at the intersection of five major interstates — I-65, I-70, I-74, I-69, and I-80/90 — giving it more interstate crossings than almost any other American city. The numbers tell the story:

Distance to Major Markets

Distribution Center Clusters

Lebanon/Whitestown (I-65 North)

The fastest-growing distribution zone in Indiana sits north of Indianapolis along I-65. Major retailers, e-commerce fulfillment centers, and third-party logistics providers have built massive facilities here, drawn by the interstate access and proximity to the Indianapolis hub. The new 150-space truck parking facility at I-65 Lebanon serves this corridor directly.

Plainfield/Avon (I-70 West)

The I-70 corridor west of Indianapolis hosts another significant warehouse and distribution cluster. The I-70 Clear Creek Welcome Center (128 truck spaces, eastbound) is the closest major truck parking facility.

Navigating I-465

I-465, the Indianapolis beltway, is essential for freight movement but comes with well-known trouble spots:

• South side (I-65/I-70): The most congested section. The interchange where I-65 and I-70 meet I-465 is frequently backed up during both rush hours.
• West side: Distribution center traffic creates steady truck volume throughout the day.
• I-65/I-70 North Split: Recently reconstructed but still a complex merge point. Follow signage carefully.
• Truck restrictions: Some ramps and overpasses on I-465 have height or weight restrictions. Check routing ahead of time.

I-69 Southern Extension

The I-69 extension connecting Indianapolis to Evansville has transformed freight movement in eastern and southern Indiana. The corridor now provides a direct interstate connection where drivers previously relied on US highways. This has opened new distribution opportunities and changed routing patterns for carriers serving southern Indiana and western Kentucky.

:::tip If you are considering basing operations in Indiana, the Lebanon/Whitestown corridor on I-65 north of Indianapolis offers the best combination of warehouse availability, interstate access, and new truck parking infrastructure. :::