Freight Shipping from Cedar Rapids to Long Beach
Ship freight from Cedar Rapids, IA to Long Beach, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,322-$5,327, LTL from $1,306-$2,109. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,010 mi
Drive Time
37 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,322-$5,327
LTL Rate Est.
$1,306-$2,109
Cedar Rapids to Long Beach Freight Corridor
Cedar Rapids is the cereal capital of the world, home to Quaker Oats' largest production facility, multiple ADM and Cargill processing plants, and a constellation of smaller food manufacturers that together process more grain per capita than any other US city. Collins Aerospace's avionics division adds a high-tech freight dimension, shipping flight-critical electronics to aircraft manufacturers worldwide. The Cedar River provides limited barge access, but the vast majority of freight moves by truck on I-380 toward Chicago or Des Moines.
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 Cedar Rapids-to-Long Beach corridor spans 2,010 miles via I-380, US-30, I-710, I-405. This lane connects cereal & grain processing and meat packing freight from the Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids's economy is driven by cereal & grain processing, meat packing, agricultural equipment, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
cereal products
corn syrup & starch
processed meats
ethanol
avionics systems
oat products
What Long Beach Receives
Long Beach's port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Cedar Rapids.
containerized consumer goods
electronics
furniture
auto parts
textiles
toys & housewares
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Cedar Rapids 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.
$4,322-$5,327 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.
$5,327-$6,734 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.
$1,306-$2,109 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Cedar Rapids to Long Beach lane (2,010 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,322-$5,327 | 37 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,306-$2,109 | 39-41 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $6,533-$9,045 | 24 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Cedar Rapids and Long Beach that drive volume on this lane.
Quaker Oats/PepsiCo (largest cereal plant in world)
Collins Aerospace
ADM (corn processing)
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Shipping Tips for Cedar Rapids to Long Beach
Cedar Rapids Seasonal Advisory
Grain processing is year-round, but harvest season (September-November) creates intense competition for trucks as bulk grain, ethanol, and finished products all peak simultaneously. Cereal shipments spike ahead of back-to-school and holiday periods.
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 2,010 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 37 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.
Cedar Rapids to Long Beach Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Cedar Rapids to Long Beach?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Cedar Rapids, IA to Long Beach, CA currently range from $4,322-$5,327 for a standard dry van load over the 2,010-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,306-$2,109 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 Cedar Rapids to Long Beach?
Standard FTL transit from Cedar Rapids to Long Beach is approximately 37 hrs by truck over 2,010 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 Cedar Rapids to Long Beach freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Cedar Rapids commonly ships cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats, 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 Cedar Rapids?
Yes. Long Beach is a strong outbound market shipping transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials. Carriers returning from Long Beach to Cedar Rapids can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Cedar Rapids-to-Long Beach lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Cedar Rapids to Long Beach?
The Cedar Rapids-to-Long Beach corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Cedar Rapids's top outbound commodities include cereal products, corn syrup & starch, processed meats, ethanol, avionics systems, oat products. Long Beach's primary inbound freight includes containerized consumer goods, electronics, furniture, auto parts, textiles, toys & housewares. Industries driving this lane include cereal & grain processing and meat packing from Cedar Rapids and port operations and oil & petrochemicals in Long Beach.
Get Exact Rates for Cedar Rapids to Long Beach
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