Freight Shipping from Bakersfield to Ontario
Ship freight from Bakersfield, CA to Ontario, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $333-$411, LTL from $285-$532. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
155 mi
Drive Time
3 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$333-$411
LTL Rate Est.
$285-$532
Bakersfield to Ontario Freight Corridor
Bakersfield is where California's two biggest freight industries — oil and agriculture — collide. Kern County is the state's top oil-producing county and its most productive agricultural county, creating a unique dual freight market. Grimmway Farms and Bolthouse Farms ship more carrots from here than anywhere else on Earth, while Chevron's Kern River oilfield operations generate tanker and flatbed freight year-round. The Tejon Commerce Center near the Grapevine (I-5/SR-99 junction) has emerged as a major distribution hub serving both LA and the Central Valley.
Ontario is the logistics epicenter of the Inland Empire, anchored by Ontario International Airport's massive air cargo operations and surrounded by over 100 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space. The city's position at the I-10/I-15 junction makes it the primary distribution gateway for goods flowing from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach into the national supply chain. Amazon, UPS, and FedEx all maintain major sort and fulfillment facilities here, and the region's lower costs compared to coastal LA have driven explosive warehouse development.
The Bakersfield-to-Ontario corridor spans 155 miles via SR-99, SR-58, I-10, I-15. This lane connects oil & gas and agriculture freight from the Bakersfield market to logistics & warehousing and air cargo (ont airport) demand in Ontario. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Bakersfield
Bakersfield's economy is driven by oil & gas, agriculture, logistics & distribution, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
crude oil
grapes & table fruit
carrots & vegetables
almonds & pistachios
cotton
dairy products
What Ontario Receives
Ontario's logistics & warehousing, air cargo (ont airport), e-commerce fulfillment sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Bakersfield.
containerized imports (from LA/LB ports)
raw materials
food products
packaging supplies
consumer electronics
industrial equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Bakersfield and Ontario, 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.
$333-$411 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.
$411-$519 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$488-$659 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.
$285-$532 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Bakersfield to Ontario lane (155 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $333-$411 | 3 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $285-$532 | 5-7 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $504-$698 | 2 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Bakersfield and Ontario that drive volume on this lane.
Chevron (Kern River oilfields)
Grimmway Farms (world's largest carrot grower)
Bolthouse Farms
Amazon ONT Fulfillment Network
UPS Ontario Hub
FedEx Ground Ontario
Shipping Tips for Bakersfield to Ontario
Bakersfield Seasonal Advisory
Grape harvest (August-October) is the biggest produce freight event. Carrot and vegetable shipments run nearly year-round. Oil production is steady but drilling activity varies with crude prices. Solar farm construction in the Mojave (spring-fall) creates heavy haul opportunities.
Ontario Seasonal Advisory
E-commerce fulfillment peaks dramatically during Q4 holidays. Air cargo at ONT surges during holiday season and Valentine's Day (flower imports). Construction freight is year-round due to the Inland Empire's rapid residential development.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 155 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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.
Bakersfield to Ontario Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Bakersfield to Ontario?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Bakersfield, CA to Ontario, CA currently range from $333-$411 for a standard dry van load over the 155-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $285-$532 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 Bakersfield to Ontario?
Standard FTL transit from Bakersfield to Ontario is approximately 3 hrs by truck over 155 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%.
What equipment do I need for Bakersfield to Ontario freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Bakersfield commonly ships crude oil, grapes & table fruit, carrots & vegetables, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Ontario commonly receives containerized imports (from LA/LB ports), raw materials, food products. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Ontario to Bakersfield?
Yes. Ontario is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce shipments, consumer goods, processed foods. Carriers returning from Ontario to Bakersfield can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Bakersfield-to-Ontario lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Bakersfield to Ontario?
The Bakersfield-to-Ontario corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Bakersfield's top outbound commodities include crude oil, grapes & table fruit, carrots & vegetables, almonds & pistachios, cotton, dairy products. Ontario's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (from LA/LB ports), raw materials, food products, packaging supplies, consumer electronics, industrial equipment. Industries driving this lane include oil & gas and agriculture from Bakersfield and logistics & warehousing and air cargo (ONT airport) in Ontario.
Get Exact Rates for Bakersfield to Ontario
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