Maine Coverage Area

With a service center located in Portland, Maine, ArcBest^® can offer a wide range of freight shipping services regionally, nationally and internationally. Call 800-610-5544 to learn more about our transportation and logistics solutions.   

Economic Overview

Maine is a picturesque, coastal state with an economy that relies heavily on tourism and timber manufacturing. Its rugged terrain and dense forest areas produce a great deal of lumber and forestry products. Lumber manufacturing contributes more than $8 billion to the economy annually. Today, the state has more than 17 million acres of forestland, and loggers chiefly produce pulpwood for papermaking. According to the Maine Forest Products Council, the state exports more than $250 million in pulpwood each year. Other top industries are tourism and agriculture.  

Importance of Tourism

Maine’s Atlantic Ocean coastline, mountain slopes and cross-country trails make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, because of its breathtaking beauty and opportunities for skiing, sailing, kayaking, shopping, whale watching and eating, the state has been nicknamed “Vacationland.” In 2016, tourism in Maine grew to $6 billion, with 35.8 million visitors coming into the state.

Agriculture’s Impact

Because of adverse soil and climate conditions, agriculture plays a smaller role in Maine’s economy than the industry does in other states. However, the state is still a leader in many agricultural categories. Maine’s farmers focus on growing three primary crops — potatoes, blueberries and corn — which, combined, produce nearly $74 million annually. The state is a national leader in seafood production (primarily lobster), and ranks second in the production of maple syrup.

Shipping Options in Maine

With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Canada and the country’s Midwestern markets, Maine’s transportation system provides a gateway to inland and overseas destinations. The transportation system consists of a network of seaports, airports, border-crossings, intermodal facilities, distribution centers, and a network of railway and roadway connections.

Roads

The majority of freight shipped into or out of the state is moved on Maine’s highway network, making trucking the most dominant method of freight transportation — it accounts for almost 90 percent of the state’s freight tonnage. Maine has 22,670 miles of public roads, according to the Maine Department of Transportation, which includes Interstate 95 — a 300-mile highway that connects the state to the Canadian border — five U.S. highways, and a number of state and county routes.

Rail

The state rail system is an important transportation resource for shippers and receivers who want to reach domestic and international markets. Rail shipping is a cost-effective option for businesses that are moving high-volume, low-value bulk commodities over long distances.

Water

According to the Maine Department of Transportation, together the ports of Portland, Searsport and Eastport facilitate the flow of domestic and international cargo in Maine, handling more than 1.5 million tons of dry cargo a year. The ports have a collection of terminals capable of accepting all types of freight, including general cargo, petroleum and other forms of large, heavy or high-value shipments.

Air

Shipping by air is another popular option for businesses in Maine. Two large, primary airports — the Portland International Jetport and the Bangor International Airport — offer service to most locations.