As part of Chicago's plan for O'Hare expansion, Mayor Daley called for the relocation of cargo flights to the airport in Gary, Indiana.

Additionally, as part of the expansion plan, much of the existing cargo holding structures at O'Hare will be demolished for new runways, The removal of O'Hare Airport's Cargo City could create an enormous impact for not only the more than 200 Elk Grove Village freight forwarding companies, but also for all companies that rely on O'Hare Airport for freight and shipping services.

If Chicago's plan is implemented, many freight transporters who use O'Hare could be greatly inconvenienced by being forced to relocate to Gary, Indiana. Currently, those transporters using O'Hare are there for a reason, accessibility to their customer base in the Northwest suburbs.

Additionally, costs associated with relocating cargo operations would have to include building new infrastructure for distribution centers and warehouses in Gary.

In the July 9th edition of Crain's Chicago Business a UPS. executive is quoted as saying that "the company wouldn't be able to meet its tight deadlines if it had to travel to Gary to pick up and drop off shipments." This statement supports what proponents of a south suburban airport have said all along, that the shipping and freight companies will not leave the Northwest suburbs because this is where the heart of their customer base is located.