Freight Shipping from Akron to Los Angeles
Ship freight from Akron, OH to Los Angeles, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $5,749-$7,086, LTL from $1,671-$2,673. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,674 mi
Drive Time
49 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$5,749-$7,086
LTL Rate Est.
$1,671-$2,673
Akron to Los Angeles Freight Corridor
Akron earned the title "Rubber Capital of the World" — Goodyear's global headquarters still anchors the city's economy, along with a deep cluster of polymer science companies, tire retreaders, and rubber product manufacturers that grew up around the original tire industry. The I-76/I-77 junction makes Akron a natural crossroads between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. The University of Akron's polymer science program ensures a constant pipeline of materials innovation that keeps the city's chemical and advanced materials freight volumes growing.
The Los Angeles basin is the undisputed freight capital of the Western Hemisphere. The San Pedro Bay port complex (LA + Long Beach) handles 40% of all US containerized imports, generating a tidal wave of drayage and long-haul freight that radiates outward on I-10, I-15, and I-5. The Inland Empire east of LA has become the largest warehouse market in the world, with over 600 million square feet of distribution space absorbing and redistributing Asian imports to every corner of the country.
The Akron-to-Los Angeles corridor spans 2,674 miles via I-76, I-77, I-5, I-10. This lane connects polymer & rubber manufacturing and advanced materials freight from the Akron market to entertainment & media and international trade demand in Los Angeles. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Akron
Akron's economy is driven by polymer & rubber manufacturing, advanced materials, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
tires & rubber products
polymer compounds
oats & cereals (Quaker)
industrial adhesives
specialty chemicals
fabricated metals
What Los Angeles Receives
Los Angeles's entertainment & media, international trade, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Akron.
consumer electronics
furniture & housewares
automotive parts
textiles & fabrics
industrial machinery
toys & games
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Akron and Los Angeles, these equipment types best serve this corridor.
Dry Van (FTL)
Ideal for palletized consumer goods, electronics, packaged foods, and general merchandise. Enclosed protection from weather and theft.
$5,749-$7,086 estimated for this lane
Flatbed
Best for steel, lumber, machinery, building materials, and oversized loads that cannot be palletized or loaded through standard dock doors.
$7,621-$9,760 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$8,423-$11,365 estimated for this lane
LTL (Less Than Truckload)
Cost-effective for shipments under 10,000 lbs or fewer than 10 pallets. Shared trailer space with other shippers reduces cost for smaller loads.
$1,671-$2,673 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Akron to Los Angeles lane (2,674 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $5,749-$7,086 | 49 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,671-$2,673 | 51-53 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $8,691-$12,033 | 32 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,610-$4,947 | 52-54 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Akron and Los Angeles that drive volume on this lane.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber (HQ)
FirstEnergy (HQ)
Smucker's (Akron bakery)
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Shipping Tips for Akron to Los Angeles
Akron Seasonal Advisory
Tire production runs year-round but seasonal tire changeover periods (October-November for winter, March-April for summer) create demand surges. FirstEnergy's utility equipment shipments peak before summer cooling season. Quaker Oats production ramps for back-to-school cereal demand.
Los Angeles Seasonal Advisory
Import surge begins in August for holiday retail season, peaking in October-November. Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a brief lull followed by a restocking wave in March.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,674 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 49 hours without mandatory 10-hour rest breaks, cutting transit time nearly in half compared to a solo driver.
Book Early for Best Rates
Spot market rates fluctuate daily. Booking 3-5 days in advance typically saves 10-15% compared to same-day or next-day freight requests. For recurring shipments, ask about contract rates.
Akron to Los Angeles Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Akron to Los Angeles?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Akron, OH to Los Angeles, CA currently range from $5,749-$7,086 for a standard dry van load over the 2,674-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,671-$2,673 depending on freight class, weight, and dimensions. Request a custom quote for exact pricing based on your specific shipment details.
How long does freight take from Akron to Los Angeles?
Standard FTL transit from Akron to Los Angeles is approximately 49 hrs by truck over 2,674 miles. LTL shipments add 2-4 business days due to terminal transfers. Expedited service with team drivers can reduce FTL transit by up to 40%. Intermodal rail-truck service takes 5-7 days but offers significant cost savings.
What equipment do I need for Akron to Los Angeles freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Akron commonly ships tires & rubber products, polymer compounds, oats & cereals (Quaker), which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Los Angeles commonly receives consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Los Angeles to Akron?
Yes. Los Angeles is a strong outbound market shipping containerized imports (re-distribution), entertainment equipment, apparel & fashion. Carriers returning from Los Angeles to Akron can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Akron-to-Los Angeles lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Akron to Los Angeles?
The Akron-to-Los Angeles corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Akron's top outbound commodities include tires & rubber products, polymer compounds, oats & cereals (Quaker), industrial adhesives, specialty chemicals, fabricated metals. Los Angeles's primary inbound freight includes consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts, textiles & fabrics, industrial machinery, toys & games. Industries driving this lane include polymer & rubber manufacturing and advanced materials from Akron and entertainment & media and international trade in Los Angeles.
Get Exact Rates for Akron to Los Angeles
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Akron to Los Angeles lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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