From Runways to Rapid Delivery: The History of Air Cargo at Chicago O’Hare and the Rise of Same Day & Next Day Freight
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is not only one of the busiest passenger airports in the world—it’s also a historic and powerful hub for air cargo. For decades, O’Hare has served as a vital artery in America’s freight network, helping move millions of tons of goods annually. What began as a military airfield during World War II has since evolved into one of the country’s most crucial air cargo gateways, especially for time-critical shipments.
A Cargo Legacy Born in the Midwest
O’Hare’s roots in air freight stretch back to the 1950s when commercial air traffic shifted from Chicago’s Midway Airport to the newer, more expansive O’Hare Field. With its central U.S. location, ORD quickly became an ideal hub for coast-to-coast and international logistics. Airlines began establishing dedicated cargo terminals in the 1960s and 70s, including partnerships with ground handling companies and international freight forwarders.
By the 1980s and 90s, O’Hare was moving vast volumes of high-value air cargo—including electronics, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, perishables, and industrial equipment—helping to cement Chicago’s role as a global logistics powerhouse. The development of freight-forwarding zones and dedicated cargo facilities further accelerated the airport’s cargo evolution.
Today, O’Hare continues to expand its air cargo capabilities with a $220 million Northeast Cargo Development project, featuring new warehousing, aircraft parking pads, and streamlined customs processing. This ensures that ORD remains future-ready for the growing demands of e-commerce, manufacturing, and time-sensitive distribution.
The Rise of Same Day and Next Flight Out Services
As supply chains have grown more time-sensitive, the need for rapid, flexible freight options has surged. That’s where services like Next Flight Out (NFO) and Next Day Air Freight have become indispensable—and O’Hare is often at the center of these fast-moving solutions.
The Expedited Company connects businesses across the country to the speed and connectivity of Chicago O’Hare. Our team leverages O’Hare’s vast airline network and flight frequency to move urgent shipments faster than traditional ground or LTL options can allow.
Next Flight Out (NFO): Your Same Day Solution
When your shipment absolutely must arrive the same day, our Next Flight Out service is the fastest domestic option available. We coordinate every aspect of your time-critical move:
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Courier pickup from origin point
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Space booked on the next available commercial flight departing from or arriving into O’Hare
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Rapid transfer to destination
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Final mile delivery by local courier
Whether your freight originates in Chicago or is routed through ORD en route to another destination, our NFO specialists monitor and manage every milestone. We keep you informed from pickup to final delivery typically within hours, not days.
NFO is ideal for:
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Critical repair parts (AOG, manufacturing)
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Medical equipment and supplies
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Legal and financial documents
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Time-sensitive samples
Next Day Air Freight from O’Hare
If your shipment doesn’t require same-day delivery but must arrive the following day, our Next Day Air Freight solutions provide scheduled, reliable service with next-business-day delivery windows. This is especially valuable for longer routes—coast to coast or remote regions—where overnight ground just isn’t fast enough.
We work with major airlines operating out of O’Hare, selecting optimal routes and schedules to ensure cargo moves quickly and cost-effectively. This includes managing airline cut-off times, paperwork, cargo compliance, and destination availability.
Why O’Hare + The Expedited Company = Reliable Speed
O’Hare offers:
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Access to over 40 commercial carriers
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Direct flights to major U.S. cities multiple times daily
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Late departure windows for late-day freight
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Proven customs and handling infrastructure
The Expedited Company adds:
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24/7/365 coordination and support
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TSA Known Shipper compliance assistance
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Real-time tracking and status updates
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Coast-to-coast delivery options from a central hub
Whether your urgent shipment is flying out of O’Hare, arriving into Chicago, or simply connecting through ORD on its way across the country, The Expedited Company is your trusted partner for fast, reliable, and expertly managed air freight.
Need to move freight fast? Contact our team today and let us route your time-critical shipment through Chicago’s historic freight hub—fast, safe, and on time. Call 844-382-5068 for more information today