Freight Shipping from Dayton to Long Beach
Ship freight from Dayton, OH to Long Beach, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $5,351-$6,596, LTL from $1,569-$2,516. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,489 mi
Drive Time
45 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$5,351-$6,596
LTL Rate Est.
$1,569-$2,516
Dayton to Long Beach Freight Corridor
Dayton punches above its weight in aerospace freight thanks to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the largest single-site employer in Ohio and a major driver of defense logistics. The Air Force Research Laboratory and National Air and Space Intelligence Center generate classified and sensitive cargo requiring specialized carriers. The I-70/I-75 junction gives Dayton excellent positioning for Midwest distribution.
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 Dayton-to-Long Beach corridor spans 2,489 miles via I-70, I-75, I-710, I-405. This lane connects aerospace & defense and advanced manufacturing freight from the Dayton 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 Dayton
Dayton's economy is driven by aerospace & defense, advanced manufacturing, automotive parts, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
aerospace components
auto parts
HVAC equipment
precision instruments
defense electronics
packaging materials
What Long Beach Receives
Long Beach's port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Dayton.
containerized consumer goods
electronics
furniture
auto parts
textiles
toys & housewares
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Dayton 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.
$5,351-$6,596 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.
$1,569-$2,516 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Dayton to Long Beach lane (2,489 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $5,351-$6,596 | 45 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,569-$2,516 | 47-49 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $8,089-$11,201 | 30 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,360-$4,605 | 48-50 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Dayton and Long Beach that drive volume on this lane.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Emerson Climate Technologies
Delphi Technologies
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Shipping Tips for Dayton to Long Beach
Dayton Seasonal Advisory
Defense freight follows federal fiscal year cycles, peaking in Q4 (July-September) as spending deadlines approach. Commercial manufacturing maintains steady volume, with slight dips during standard automotive shutdowns in July and late December.
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 2,489 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 45 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.
Dayton to Long Beach Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Dayton to Long Beach?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Dayton, OH to Long Beach, CA currently range from $5,351-$6,596 for a standard dry van load over the 2,489-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,569-$2,516 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 Dayton to Long Beach?
Standard FTL transit from Dayton to Long Beach is approximately 45 hrs by truck over 2,489 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 Dayton to Long Beach freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Dayton commonly ships aerospace components, auto parts, HVAC equipment, 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 Dayton?
Yes. Long Beach is a strong outbound market shipping transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials. Carriers returning from Long Beach to Dayton can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Dayton-to-Long Beach lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Dayton to Long Beach?
The Dayton-to-Long Beach corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Dayton's top outbound commodities include aerospace components, auto parts, HVAC equipment, precision instruments, defense electronics, packaging materials. Long Beach's primary inbound freight includes containerized consumer goods, electronics, furniture, auto parts, textiles, toys & housewares. Industries driving this lane include aerospace & defense and advanced manufacturing from Dayton and port operations and oil & petrochemicals in Long Beach.
Get Exact Rates for Dayton to Long Beach
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Dayton to Long Beach lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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