Freight Shipping from Allentown to Denver
Ship freight from Allentown, PA to Denver, CO with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,337-$5,345, LTL from $1,309-$2,114. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,017 mi
Drive Time
37 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,337-$5,345
LTL Rate Est.
$1,309-$2,114
Allentown to Denver Freight Corridor
The Lehigh Valley has exploded into one of the East Coast's premier distribution corridors, with over 100 million square feet of warehouse space concentrated along I-78. The region's position — 80 miles from New York City and 60 miles from Philadelphia — makes it the ideal last-mile staging area for the entire Northeast megalopolis. The former Bethlehem Steel site has been transformed into a 3,000-acre logistics and commerce center, symbolizing the Valley's shift from heavy industry to distribution.
Denver is the Rocky Mountain region's undisputed freight hub and the last major distribution point before the I-70 mountain corridor forces carriers through some of the most challenging terrain in the lower 48. The city's booming population growth has spawned massive warehouse development along the I-76 and E-470 corridors near DIA. Denver's natural foods industry, anchored by WhiteWave, Natural Grocers, and dozens of craft producers, generates high-value reefer freight heading to both coasts.
The Allentown-to-Denver corridor spans 2,017 miles via I-78, US-22, I-25, I-70. This lane connects logistics & distribution and food processing freight from the Allentown market to aerospace & defense and technology demand in Denver. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Allentown
Allentown's economy is driven by logistics & distribution, food processing, healthcare, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
consumer packaged goods
cement & concrete products
processed foods
medical supplies
snack foods (Utz)
retail merchandise
What Denver Receives
Denver's aerospace & defense, technology, natural foods & beverage sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Allentown.
consumer goods
building materials
automotive vehicles
industrial machinery
fresh produce
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Allentown and Denver, 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.
$4,337-$5,345 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$5,345-$6,757 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.
$5,748-$7,362 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.
$1,309-$2,114 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Allentown to Denver lane (2,017 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,337-$5,345 | 37 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,309-$2,114 | 39-41 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $6,555-$9,077 | 24 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,723-$3,731 | 40-42 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Allentown and Denver that drive volume on this lane.
FedEx Ground (regional hub)
Amazon ABE Fulfillment
Utz Brands (Hanover)
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Allentown to Denver
Allentown Seasonal Advisory
E-commerce fulfillment drives a massive Q4 surge — Amazon and FedEx Ground ramp seasonal staffing and truck volume by 40-60% from October through December. Cement and construction material shipments peak March through November.
Denver Seasonal Advisory
Construction season (April-October) drives flatbed demand for building materials headed to mountain resort communities. Ski season freight (equipment, supplies) peaks September-November as resorts stock up.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,017 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 37 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.
Allentown to Denver Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Allentown to Denver?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Allentown, PA to Denver, CO currently range from $4,337-$5,345 for a standard dry van load over the 2,017-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,309-$2,114 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 Allentown to Denver?
Standard FTL transit from Allentown to Denver is approximately 37 hrs by truck over 2,017 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 Allentown to Denver freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Allentown commonly ships consumer packaged goods, cement & concrete products, processed foods, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Denver commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Denver to Allentown?
Yes. Denver is a strong outbound market shipping natural & organic foods, craft beer & spirits, aerospace components. Carriers returning from Denver to Allentown can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Allentown-to-Denver lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Allentown to Denver?
The Allentown-to-Denver corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Allentown's top outbound commodities include consumer packaged goods, cement & concrete products, processed foods, medical supplies, snack foods (Utz), retail merchandise. Denver's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles, industrial machinery, fresh produce, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution and food processing from Allentown and aerospace & defense and technology in Denver.
Get Exact Rates for Allentown to Denver
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Allentown to Denver lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts