North Carolina’s Freight Surge by 2050: How Hale Trailer Keeps Raleigh & Concord Moving

By 2050, North Carolina is projected to see one of the steepest jumps in freight movement in the country, with trucked freight rising roughly 64% by weight and 97% by value from 2022 levels. That’s a tall order for roads, yards, warehouses, and every fleet manager trying to hit a delivery window. 

Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel has served through cycles like this before, and our Raleigh and Concord locations are built to help North Carolina fleets add capacity fast, keep trailers road-ready, and cut downtime with a deep parts bench.

North Carolina Freight Outlook to 2050: The Numbers That Matter

In 2022, North Carolina moved 478 million tons of freight valued at $741 billion. Analysts expect trucked freight in the state to climb about 64% by weight and 97% by value through 2050, among the highest growth rates in the U.S. That puts pressure on corridors like I-85, I-40, and the future I-42, and it puts a premium on trailer availability, uptime, and smart maintenance. For shippers, carriers, and 3PLs across the Triangle and the Charlotte metro, the plan can’t be “wait and see.” Growth is already rolling.

Zooming out, federal forecasts also point to heavier national freight volumes through mid-century, with trucks holding the top share by tonnage. That context reinforces what North Carolina shippers already feel: trucks will keep doing the heavy lifting, and trailers are the swing gear that determines whether a plan holds or falls behind.

Raleigh Freight Corridors: I-40, I-540, and RDU Are Set for More Throughput

Raleigh-area freight routes continue to add capacity. The Complete 540 project (Phase 1 already open) extends the Triangle Expressway and eases pressure on I-40 and I-440, improving access from Apex and Holly Springs over to I-40/U.S.70 (future I-42). That helps shippers blend regional drayage, last-mile distribution, and long-haul movements without as many chokepoints. Phase 2 will extend the loop from I-40 to I-540/I-87 in Knightdale, further tightening travel times around the eastern Triangle (Build America Bureau).

Air cargo is part of the story, too. Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) is projected to grow air freight tonnage through 2050 (ranging from ~31% in a low-growth case to more than double in a high-growth case), supporting higher-value and time-sensitive supply chains that still finish the job on the ground with trailers.

Another regional play sits just down I-95: CSX’s Carolina Connector (CCX) intermodal terminal in Rocky Mount brings modern lift capacity and direct rail-truck transfer within reach of the Triangle. With three wide-span cranes and a lift capacity of around 110,000 containers, CCX creates new options for balancing rail and road in a market that’s on the upswing.

Concord & Greater Charlotte: I-85, CLT Cargo, and Industrial Growth

Concord is directly connected to the I-85 industrial corridor. Ongoing and recent widening on I-85 through Cabarrus and Rowan counties, plus additional capacity projects in the corridor, are designed to handle higher traffic volumes and reduce bottlenecks for freight moving between Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, and points north.

On the air side, Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) continues to rank among the world’s busiest airports by movements and has set back-to-back passenger records. Cargo volumes remain substantial—over 170,000 metric tons in recent reports—and CLT is forecast to roughly double cargo tonnage by 2050 in a conservative scenario.

Ports also feed the Charlotte region. The Port of Wilmington reported record operating revenue in FY2023, with container volume up and general cargo setting a new mark. As port throughput steps up, dray and inland trucking pull harder on dry vans, reefers, and chassis, sending ripple effects up I-40 and I-85.

What North Carolina Shippers Will Need to Keep Freight Moving

Fast growth isn’t solved with one trailer type or a single buying decision. It’s a mix of the right equipment, smart rotation between rentals and owned assets, and service that holds up under pressure. Here’s how that plays out on North Carolina lanes.

Dry Vans for General Freight and E-Commerce Peaks

From Raleigh fulfillment centers to Concord cross-docks, dry vans carry the bulk of consumer and industrial freight. As volume swells toward 2050, fleets that pair core-owned vans with seasonal rental capacity will be the ones still hitting their marks when orders spike or backorders clear. Longer-term leases lock in predictable costs; short-term rentals let you pounce on new business without waiting on OEM lead times.

Reefers for Food, Pharma, and High-Value Goods

North Carolina’s food and beverage producers, grocers, and cold chains rely on temperature-controlled capacity that doesn’t blink during summer heat. Add in life-science shipments out of the Triangle, and it’s clear why well-maintained reefers matter.

Flatbeds and Drop-Decks for Construction and Manufacturing Inputs

Concrete products, steel, lumber, and heavy components follow I-85 construction and industrial growth. Flatbeds and drop-decks must be prepared for frequent loading cycles and harsher job site conditions. Tie-down hardware, lights, and decking wear out faster in that environment; having a stocked parts counter nearby is half the battle.

Dumps & Specialized Trailers for Aggregates and Site Work

From widening jobs around Concord to interchange upgrades in Johnston County, aggregates and site work don’t wait. Reliable dump trailers and quick access to brake and suspension parts keep trucks cycling between quarries and job sites all day.

How Hale Trailer Helps North Carolina Fleets Scale Right Now

Hale Trailer serves North Carolina with two strategic branches, Raleigh and Concord, backed by one of the largest trailer inventories in the country. “Hale Has It” isn’t just our tagline; it’s how our teams stock, service, and support equipment for shippers, carriers, and contractors working the I-40 and I-85 corridors.

New & Used Trailer Sales: Build the Core of Your Fleet

Owned trailers anchor long-term capacity. Our Raleigh and Concord teams spec dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, chassis, and dumps to match real demand. If new trailers aren’t right for you, our used inventory adds units fast, so fleets don’t miss opportunities.

Trailer Rentals & Flexible Terms: Add Capacity Without Overcommitting

Trailer rentals can act as a pressure valve when orders spike or contracts land. Hale Trailer offers short- and long-term options so fleets can scale up quickly, whether it’s a few flatbeds in Concord or a set of dry vans in Raleigh.

Service & Preventive Maintenance: Protect Uptime When It Counts

Our service shops handle inspections, brake and suspension work, reefer checks, and more. Preventive schedules tuned to each fleet keep small issues from becoming downtime, while mobile service near Raleigh and Concord saves empty miles.

Parts: The Right Components, Right Now

Brake chambers, lights, tires, springs—we keep high-turn parts on hand at both locations. Same-day pickup and local delivery mean repairs happen quickly, keeping trailers where they belong: on the road.

Your Next Move: Talk to Hale Trailer in Raleigh or Concord

If you’re preparing for North Carolina’s freight surge, whether you manage a dozen trailers or several hundred, Hale Trailer is ready to help. Tap our rentals for short-notice spikes, build a smarter core fleet with new or used sales, keep equipment tight with service plans, and rely on local parts counters that actually have what you need. 

Call our Raleigh or Concord branches today, or send a quick note through the website, and we’ll take care of all your trailer needs.40. Phase 2 is now underway, stretching the loop further east to I-540/U.S. 64/U.S. 264 in Knightdale, with six interchanges, 24 bridges, and 14 culverts included in the design. Construction started in 2024 and is expected to wrap up by 2028.

Why the 540 Project Matters for Freight

The project gives truckers an alternate route that avoids bottlenecks on I-40 and I-440. For heavy freight moving between industrial corridors in Garner, Clayton, and Knightdale, this means shorter idle times and fewer miles on surface streets. Long-haul carriers also gain a more direct bypass around Raleigh’s urban core, keeping rigs moving at consistent speeds.

How Complete 540 Affects Trailer Operations

Reduced Congestion, Better Schedules

Traffic congestion is one of the largest hidden costs in trucking, adding billions in wasted fuel and driver hours across the U.S. every year. By drawing cars and trucks off overloaded corridors, Complete 540 allows dispatchers to tighten arrival windows and reduce late deliveries. This is especially valuable for refrigerated freight, where a missed appointment can compromise a load.

Interchanges Built for Modern Freight

The new interchanges are designed for today’s larger vehicles, with longer merge lanes and better turning radii. That’s good news for 53-foot dry vans and flatbeds that often struggle with short ramps or tight curves on older sections of Raleigh’s road network.

Tolling and Fleet Budgets

Complete 540 is an all-electronic toll road. For fleets, this means budgeting for tolls but saving on fuel and maintenance by cutting idling and stop-and-go driving. Many carriers will find that tolls pay for themselves once they run the math on reduced wear and improved scheduling.

Other Transportation Projects and Freight Impact

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Freight Movement

Raleigh’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is designed for commuters, not freight. But its construction and operation impact trucking in two ways:

1. Construction Phases: Road work along BRT corridors, such as New Bern Avenue, can create detours that impact last-mile delivery routes.
2. Traffic Flow: Once operational, BRT will shift commuter traffic out of regular lanes, potentially freeing space for trucks on parallel roads. For local deliveries into downtown Raleigh, that means fewer conflicts with car traffic in certain corridors.

Rail and Intermodal Connections

The region is also investing in rail through projects like the Raleigh–Richmond S-Line corridor, backed by a $1.09 billion federal grant. While primarily focused on passenger service, these upgrades free up track capacity that can improve freight reliability. For trucking, this creates opportunities in intermodal drayage, or trailers moving containers between rail yards and warehouses.

Short-Term Challenges for Freight Operators

Construction Zone Realities

Until 2028, carriers should expect:

• Lane shifts and narrowed shoulders along key work zones.
• Night work that reduces visibility and requires extra caution for wide trailers.
• Temporary detours affecting local deliveries, especially near interchanges being rebuilt.

Every mile in a work zone demands trailers that track straight, brake evenly, and handle stop-and-go without issue. Preventive maintenance is crucial for minimizing downtime.

Equipment Strain

Rough temporary pavement and detours can take a toll on suspensions, brakes, and tires. Extendable flatbeds, step decks, and lowboys in particular feel the stress when navigating uneven joints or temporary ramps. Regular inspections help catch issues before they sideline a load.

Long-Term Benefits Once Projects in Raleigh Wrap

Faster Freight Flow

By 2028, Raleigh’s freight network will see a dramatic improvement in travel time reliability. Truckers will have a full loop that connects I-40, I-87, and I-95 with fewer choke points.

Safer Trailer Maneuvers

New bridges and interchanges are designed with today’s freight in mind, cutting down on tight turns and sudden merges. This makes life easier for long-wheelbase trailers and reduces the risk of costly accidents.

Lower Maintenance Costs Over Time

Smoother pavement and consistent speeds mean fewer pothole hits, less brake wear, and more even tire aging. Over the life of a trailer, those small savings add up to real money.

How Hale Trailer Supports Raleigh’s Freight Community

Trailer Rentals that Match the Job

Whether it’s a dry van for regional runs, a reefer for food distribution, or a flatbed for construction equipment, Hale Trailer has the rental inventory to match Raleigh’s evolving freight routes. As new road segments open and traffic patterns shift, our team ensures trailer swaps are seamless, so your fleet never skips a beat.

New and Used Trailer Sales for Every Operation

For fleets ready to invest, Hale Trailer offers one of the largest selections of new and used trailers in the region. From top-of-the-line models fresh from the factory to well-maintained used trailers that fit tighter budgets, our sales teams help operators find the right equipment for their business. Whether you’re scaling up to handle Raleigh’s growing freight demands or replacing older gear, we’ll connect you with trailers built to work as hard as you do.

Parts and Service to Handle Work Zone Stress

Construction detours and temporary joints are tough on equipment. That’s why Hale Trailer’s service teams focus on alignments, brake inspections, and suspension checks to keep trailers running smoothly. At the parts counter, we keep shelves stocked with essentials (chambers, drums, landing gear, lighting, and a whole lot more) so drivers can get what they need without downtime.

A Partner in Long-Term Planning

We’re not just here for emergencies. As Raleigh’s infrastructure evolves, Hale Trailer helps fleet managers plan ahead, whether that means prepping trailers for new toll routes, keeping specialized equipment available for construction projects, or mapping out when it makes sense to rent, buy, or service trailers.

Preparing Your Fleet for Raleigh’s Future

Raleigh’s Complete 540 project and related transportation upgrades are setting the stage for a more connected, freight-friendly region. Yes, the next few years will bring lane closures, detours, and strain on equipment. But when the loop is finished and traffic patterns settle, fleets that plan ahead will benefit from faster runs, safer routes, and lower operating costs.

Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel in Raleigh is ready to keep your trailers in shape for every mile. Whether you’re running local deliveries or hauling freight across the Triangle, our rentals, sales, parts, and service give you the support to keep freight moving.