Freight Shipping from Billings to Kent
Ship freight from Billings, MT to Kent, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,847-$2,276, LTL from $672-$1,130. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
859 mi
Drive Time
16 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,847-$2,276
LTL Rate Est.
$672-$1,130
Billings to Kent 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.
Kent sits in the heart of the Green River Valley, home to the largest warehouse and distribution concentration in the Pacific Northwest. Over 60 million square feet of industrial space lines the valley floor, housing Amazon fulfillment centers, Blue Origin's rocket manufacturing campus, and REI's national headquarters. The valley's proximity to both the Port of Tacoma and Sea-Tac Airport makes it the natural transload point for imported goods entering the Pacific Northwest.
The Billings-to-Kent corridor spans 859 miles via I-90, I-94, I-5, SR-167. This lane connects petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching freight from the Billings market to warehousing & distribution and aerospace manufacturing demand in Kent. 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 Kent Receives
Kent's warehousing & distribution, aerospace manufacturing, food processing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Billings.
containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma)
raw materials
packaging supplies
food ingredients
consumer goods
fuel products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Billings and Kent, 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.
$1,847-$2,276 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,706-$3,651 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.
$672-$1,130 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Billings to Kent lane (859 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,847-$2,276 | 16 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $672-$1,130 | 18-20 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,792-$3,866 | 10 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,160-$1,589 | 19-21 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Billings and Kent that drive volume on this lane.
CHS Refinery (Laurel)
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Western Sugar Cooperative
Amazon Kent Fulfillment (BFI4/BFI3)
Blue Origin (HQ)
REI Co-op (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Billings to Kent
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.
Kent Seasonal Advisory
Amazon fulfillment drives massive Q4 holiday surges (October-December). Blue Origin rocket component shipments are irregular but high-value. REI seasonal inventory peaks align with outdoor recreation seasons — spring gear (February-March) and winter gear (August-September).
Overnight Transit
This 859-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 Kent Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Billings to Kent?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Billings, MT to Kent, WA currently range from $1,847-$2,276 for a standard dry van load over the 859-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $672-$1,130 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 Kent?
Standard FTL transit from Billings to Kent is approximately 16 hrs by truck over 859 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 Kent freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Billings commonly ships refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Kent commonly receives containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma), raw materials, packaging supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Kent to Billings?
Yes. Kent is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce shipments, aerospace components, processed foods. Carriers returning from Kent to Billings can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Billings-to-Kent lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Billings to Kent?
The Billings-to-Kent corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Billings's top outbound commodities include refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, livestock, bentonite clay, hay & feed. Kent's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma), raw materials, packaging supplies, food ingredients, consumer goods, fuel products. Industries driving this lane include petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching from Billings and warehousing & distribution and aerospace manufacturing in Kent.
Get Exact Rates for Billings to Kent
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Billings to Kent lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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