Freight Shipping from Billings to Long Beach
Ship freight from Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,726-$3,360, LTL from $897-$1,478. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,268 mi
Drive Time
23 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,726-$3,360
LTL Rate Est.
$897-$1,478
Billings to Long Beach 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.
The Port of Long Beach, paired with the adjacent Port of Los Angeles, forms the San Pedro Bay complex that handles nearly half of all US maritime imports. Long Beach itself has invested billions in on-dock rail infrastructure, allowing containers to move directly from ship to train without a truck dray, though the majority still leave by truck on the notoriously congested I-710. The city's zero-emission truck mandates are reshaping drayage economics as carriers invest in electric and hydrogen-powered equipment.
The Billings-to-Long Beach corridor spans 1,268 miles via I-90, I-94, I-710, I-405. This lane connects petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching freight from the Billings market to port operations and oil & petrochemicals demand in Long Beach. 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 Long Beach Receives
Long Beach's port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Billings.
containerized consumer goods
electronics
furniture
auto parts
textiles
toys & housewares
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Billings and Long Beach, 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.
$2,726-$3,360 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,994-$5,389 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.
$897-$1,478 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Billings to Long Beach lane (1,268 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,726-$3,360 | 23 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $897-$1,478 | 25-27 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,121-$5,706 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,712-$2,346 | 26-28 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Billings and Long Beach that drive volume on this lane.
CHS Refinery (Laurel)
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Western Sugar Cooperative
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Shipping Tips for Billings to Long Beach
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.
Long Beach Seasonal Advisory
Peak import season runs August through November for holiday retail. The "blank sailing" period during Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a 3-4 week dip before the spring restocking wave.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,268 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 23 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.
Billings to Long Beach Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Billings to Long Beach?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Billings, MT to Long Beach, CA currently range from $2,726-$3,360 for a standard dry van load over the 1,268-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $897-$1,478 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 Long Beach?
Standard FTL transit from Billings to Long Beach is approximately 23 hrs by truck over 1,268 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 Long Beach freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Billings commonly ships refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Long Beach commonly receives containerized consumer goods, electronics, furniture. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Long Beach to Billings?
Yes. Long Beach is a strong outbound market shipping transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials. Carriers returning from Long Beach to Billings can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Billings-to-Long Beach lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Billings to Long Beach?
The Billings-to-Long Beach corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Billings's top outbound commodities include refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat, livestock, bentonite clay, hay & feed. Long Beach's primary inbound freight includes containerized consumer goods, electronics, furniture, auto parts, textiles, toys & housewares. Industries driving this lane include petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching from Billings and port operations and oil & petrochemicals in Long Beach.
Get Exact Rates for Billings to Long Beach
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Billings to Long Beach lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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