Freight Shipping from Cleveland to Fort Worth
Ship freight from Cleveland, OH to Fort Worth, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,933-$3,615, LTL from $950-$1,559. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,364 mi
Drive Time
25 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,933-$3,615
LTL Rate Est.
$950-$1,559
Cleveland to Fort Worth Freight Corridor
Cleveland remains the industrial heart of the Great Lakes manufacturing belt, anchored by Sherwin-Williams' new global headquarters and Cleveland-Cliffs' integrated steel operations. The Port of Cleveland connects to global markets via the St. Lawrence Seaway, handling iron ore, steel, and heavy-lift project cargo. The I-90/I-77 junction gives carriers efficient access to the entire Midwest and Northeast.
Fort Worth is the aerospace and rail logistics capital of Texas. Lockheed Martin's mile-long factory produces every F-35 Lightning II fighter jet sold worldwide, generating classified, oversize, and high-security freight that requires specialized carriers. BNSF Railway's headquarters and Alliance Texas — the nation's largest inland port — create one of the most sophisticated intermodal logistics ecosystems in North America. Bell Textron builds V-22 Ospreys and commercial helicopters, adding to the aerospace freight base.
The Cleveland-to-Fort Worth corridor spans 1,364 miles via I-90, I-77, I-35W, I-30. This lane connects steel & metals and automotive parts freight from the Cleveland market to aerospace & defense and rail logistics demand in Fort Worth. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Cleveland
Cleveland's economy is driven by steel & metals, automotive parts, healthcare & biomedical, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
steel products
automotive stampings
industrial chemicals
paint & coatings (Sherwin-Williams)
medical devices
polymer products
What Fort Worth Receives
Fort Worth's aerospace & defense, rail logistics, ranching & agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Cleveland.
aerospace sub-assemblies
raw metals
containerized imports (via Alliance)
consumer goods
building materials
fuel
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Cleveland and Fort Worth, 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.
$2,933-$3,615 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.
$3,887-$4,979 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,297-$5,797 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.
$950-$1,559 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Cleveland to Fort Worth lane (1,364 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,933-$3,615 | 25 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $950-$1,559 | 27-29 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,433-$6,138 | 17 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,841-$2,523 | 28-30 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Cleveland and Fort Worth that drive volume on this lane.
Sherwin-Williams (HQ)
Cleveland-Cliffs (HQ)
Lincoln Electric
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (F-35)
Bell Textron (HQ)
BNSF Railway (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Cleveland to Fort Worth
Cleveland Seasonal Advisory
Steel production runs year-round but construction season (April-October) drives the strongest demand for outbound coil and plate loads. Great Lakes shipping season (April-January) determines iron ore import volumes at the port.
Fort Worth Seasonal Advisory
Defense freight follows federal fiscal year-end spending (September rush). BNSF intermodal volumes peak during Q4 import season. Livestock and agricultural freight from the Fort Worth Stockyards region is strongest March through October.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,364 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 25 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.
Cleveland to Fort Worth Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Cleveland to Fort Worth?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Cleveland, OH to Fort Worth, TX currently range from $2,933-$3,615 for a standard dry van load over the 1,364-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $950-$1,559 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 Cleveland to Fort Worth?
Standard FTL transit from Cleveland to Fort Worth is approximately 25 hrs by truck over 1,364 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 Cleveland to Fort Worth freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Cleveland commonly ships steel products, automotive stampings, industrial chemicals, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Fort Worth commonly receives aerospace sub-assemblies, raw metals, containerized imports (via Alliance). Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Fort Worth to Cleveland?
Yes. Fort Worth is a strong outbound market shipping F-35 fighter jet components, Bell helicopters, grain & cattle. Carriers returning from Fort Worth to Cleveland can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Cleveland-to-Fort Worth lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Cleveland to Fort Worth?
The Cleveland-to-Fort Worth corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Cleveland's top outbound commodities include steel products, automotive stampings, industrial chemicals, paint & coatings (Sherwin-Williams), medical devices, polymer products. Fort Worth's primary inbound freight includes aerospace sub-assemblies, raw metals, containerized imports (via Alliance), consumer goods, building materials, fuel. Industries driving this lane include steel & metals and automotive parts from Cleveland and aerospace & defense and rail logistics in Fort Worth.
Get Exact Rates for Cleveland to Fort Worth
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Cleveland to Fort Worth lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts