Freight Shipping from Birmingham to Tulsa
Ship freight from Birmingham, AL to Tulsa, OK with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,542-$1,900, LTL from $594-$1,009. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
717 mi
Drive Time
13 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,542-$1,900
LTL Rate Est.
$594-$1,009
Birmingham to Tulsa Freight Corridor
Birmingham sits at the crossroads of I-20 and I-65, making it the natural distribution pivot between the Gulf Coast and the upper Southeast. The metro's steel heritage lives on through McWane and U.S. Steel operations that keep flatbed demand consistently high. Mercedes-Benz and Honda assembly plants in Tuscaloosa and Lincoln create a steady diet of JIT automotive freight moving on dedicated lanes to suppliers across the Midwest.
Tulsa is the aerospace maintenance capital of the central U.S., with American Airlines operating its largest MRO facility here — capable of servicing widebody aircraft. The Port of Catoosa, America's most inland river port, connects Tulsa to the Gulf of Mexico via the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, enabling barge-to-truck transloading for heavy industrial freight. The city's legacy oil refining infrastructure creates steady tanker and hazmat volumes.
The Birmingham-to-Tulsa corridor spans 717 miles via I-20, I-65, I-44, US-75. This lane connects automotive manufacturing and steel production freight from the Birmingham market to aerospace manufacturing and energy demand in Tulsa. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Birmingham
Birmingham's economy is driven by automotive manufacturing, steel production, medical devices, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
steel coils & pipe
automotive parts
medical equipment
coal & coke
poultry products
cast iron fittings
What Tulsa Receives
Tulsa's aerospace manufacturing, energy, steel fabrication sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Birmingham.
crude oil
raw steel
aircraft sub-assemblies
chemicals
electronic components
packaging materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Birmingham and Tulsa, 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.
$1,542-$1,900 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.
$1,900-$2,402 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.
$2,043-$2,617 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,259-$3,047 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Birmingham to Tulsa lane (717 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,542-$1,900 | 13 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $594-$1,009 | 15-17 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,330-$3,227 | 9 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $968-$1,326 | 16-18 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Birmingham and Tulsa that drive volume on this lane.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
U.S. Steel
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
American Airlines Maintenance Base
NORDAM Group
Holly Frontier Refining
Shipping Tips for Birmingham to Tulsa
Birmingham Seasonal Advisory
Steel shipments peak Q1-Q2 as construction season ramps up. Automotive freight dips during the two-week July shutdown at Mercedes and Honda plants.
Tulsa Seasonal Advisory
Aerospace MRO work peaks during winter when airlines pull aircraft from service for heavy maintenance checks. Refinery output is steady but turnaround seasons (spring and fall) temporarily reduce outbound tanker volumes while increasing inbound equipment freight.
Overnight Transit
This 717-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.
Birmingham to Tulsa Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Birmingham to Tulsa?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Birmingham, AL to Tulsa, OK currently range from $1,542-$1,900 for a standard dry van load over the 717-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $594-$1,009 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 Birmingham to Tulsa?
Standard FTL transit from Birmingham to Tulsa is approximately 13 hrs by truck over 717 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 Birmingham to Tulsa freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Birmingham commonly ships steel coils & pipe, automotive parts, medical equipment, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Tulsa commonly receives crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tulsa to Birmingham?
Yes. Tulsa is a strong outbound market shipping aircraft components, refined fuels, steel pipe & fittings. Carriers returning from Tulsa to Birmingham can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Birmingham-to-Tulsa lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Birmingham to Tulsa?
The Birmingham-to-Tulsa corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Birmingham's top outbound commodities include steel coils & pipe, automotive parts, medical equipment, coal & coke, poultry products, cast iron fittings. Tulsa's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies, chemicals, electronic components, packaging materials. Industries driving this lane include automotive manufacturing and steel production from Birmingham and aerospace manufacturing and energy in Tulsa.
Get Exact Rates for Birmingham to Tulsa
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Birmingham to Tulsa lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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