Freight Shipping from Billings to Denver
Ship freight from Billings, MT to Denver, CO with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,269-$1,564, LTL from $525-$902. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
590 mi
Drive Time
11 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,269-$1,564
LTL Rate Est.
$525-$902
Billings to Denver Freight Corridor
Billings is Montana's largest city and the commercial hub of the northern Great Plains, serving as a distribution point for a vast rural territory stretching from the Dakotas to Idaho. Two petroleum refineries process Bakken crude oil, generating steady tanker freight. The surrounding agricultural economy produces wheat, sugar beets, and cattle that move by truck to processing plants and rail terminals.
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 Billings-to-Denver corridor spans 590 miles via I-90, I-94, I-25, I-70. This lane connects petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching freight from the Billings 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 Billings
Billings's economy is driven by petroleum refining, agriculture & ranching, energy (oil & gas), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
refined petroleum
sugar beets
grain & wheat
livestock
bentonite clay
hay & feed
What Denver Receives
Denver's aerospace & defense, technology, natural foods & beverage sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Billings.
consumer goods
building materials
automotive vehicles
industrial machinery
fresh produce
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Billings 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.
$1,269-$1,564 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.
$1,564-$1,977 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.
$1,682-$2,154 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,859-$2,508 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Billings to Denver lane (590 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,269-$1,564 | 11 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $525-$902 | 13-15 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,918-$2,655 | 7 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $797-$1,092 | 14-16 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Billings and Denver that drive volume on this lane.
CHS Refinery (Laurel)
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Western Sugar Cooperative
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Billings to Denver
Billings Seasonal Advisory
Grain harvest (August-October) creates intense demand for hopper trailers and flatbeds. Winter conditions on I-90 over the mountain passes can close roads for days, creating delivery reliability challenges from November through March.
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.
Overnight Transit
This 590-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
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.
Billings to Denver Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Billings to Denver?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Billings, MT to Denver, CO currently range from $1,269-$1,564 for a standard dry van load over the 590-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $525-$902 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 Billings to Denver?
Standard FTL transit from Billings to Denver is approximately 11 hrs by truck over 590 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 Billings to Denver freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Billings commonly ships refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, 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 Billings?
Yes. Denver is a strong outbound market shipping natural & organic foods, craft beer & spirits, aerospace components. Carriers returning from Denver to Billings can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Billings-to-Denver lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Billings to Denver?
The Billings-to-Denver corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Billings's top outbound commodities include refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, livestock, bentonite clay, hay & feed. Denver's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles, industrial machinery, fresh produce, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching from Billings and aerospace & defense and technology in Denver.
Get Exact Rates for Billings to Denver
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Billings to Denver lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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