Freight Shipping from Atlanta to San Antonio
Ship freight from Atlanta, GA to San Antonio, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,464-$3,037, LTL from $830-$1,374. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,146 mi
Drive Time
21 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,464-$3,037
LTL Rate Est.
$830-$1,374
Atlanta to San Antonio Freight Corridor
Atlanta is the freight crossroads of the Southeast and arguably the most balanced truck market in the country. The convergence of I-75, I-85, and I-20 creates a natural hub where carriers can find loads heading in virtually any direction within hours. UPS and The Home Depot both headquarter their logistics operations here, contributing to a freight ecosystem so dense that the metro has more warehouse space than most states. Norfolk Southern and CSX both maintain major intermodal operations, making Atlanta the rail freight capital of the Southeast.
San Antonio's freight economy is uniquely driven by the military — Joint Base San Antonio encompasses three installations and is the largest Department of Defense joint base in the country. Toyota's Tundra and Sequoia assembly plant in south San Antonio creates dedicated automotive lanes to suppliers across Texas and Mexico. H-E-B, the beloved Texas grocery chain headquartered here, operates one of the most efficient private distribution networks in the retail industry.
The Atlanta-to-San Antonio corridor spans 1,146 miles via I-75, I-85, I-35, I-10. This lane connects logistics & distribution and film & entertainment freight from the Atlanta market to military & defense and healthcare demand in San Antonio. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Atlanta
Atlanta's economy is driven by logistics & distribution, film & entertainment, financial technology, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
automobiles (Kia)
poultry products
soft drinks & beverages
carpet & flooring
film equipment
packaged foods
What San Antonio Receives
San Antonio's military & defense, healthcare, cybersecurity sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Atlanta.
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
food products
fuel
vehicles
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Atlanta and San Antonio, 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.
$2,464-$3,037 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.
$3,037-$3,839 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.
$3,266-$4,183 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.
$830-$1,374 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Atlanta to San Antonio lane (1,146 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,464-$3,037 | 21 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $830-$1,374 | 23-25 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,725-$5,157 | 14 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,547-$2,120 | 24-26 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Atlanta and San Antonio that drive volume on this lane.
The Home Depot (HQ)
UPS (HQ)
Coca-Cola (HQ)
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Atlanta to San Antonio
Atlanta Seasonal Advisory
Home improvement freight (Home Depot's supply chain) peaks March through June. Carpet shipments from the Dalton mills 90 miles north run heaviest in spring and fall. Coca-Cola distribution spikes ahead of summer and holiday seasons.
San Antonio Seasonal Advisory
Military freight follows federal fiscal year cycles with a September surge. Toyota production runs year-round with July and December shutdowns. H-E-B distribution intensifies ahead of holidays and during severe weather events when Texans stock up.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,146 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 21 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.
Atlanta to San Antonio Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Atlanta to San Antonio?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Atlanta, GA to San Antonio, TX currently range from $2,464-$3,037 for a standard dry van load over the 1,146-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $830-$1,374 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 Atlanta to San Antonio?
Standard FTL transit from Atlanta to San Antonio is approximately 21 hrs by truck over 1,146 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 Atlanta to San Antonio freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Atlanta commonly ships automobiles (Kia), poultry products, soft drinks & beverages, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. San Antonio commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, military supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from San Antonio to Atlanta?
Yes. San Antonio is a strong outbound market shipping military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods. Carriers returning from San Antonio to Atlanta can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Atlanta-to-San Antonio lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Atlanta to San Antonio?
The Atlanta-to-San Antonio corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Atlanta's top outbound commodities include automobiles (Kia), poultry products, soft drinks & beverages, carpet & flooring, film equipment, packaged foods. San Antonio's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, food products, fuel, vehicles. Industries driving this lane include logistics & distribution and film & entertainment from Atlanta and military & defense and healthcare in San Antonio.
Get Exact Rates for Atlanta to San Antonio
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