Freight Shipping from Dayton to Los Angeles
Ship freight from Dayton, OH to Los Angeles, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $5,349-$6,593, LTL from $1,568-$2,515. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,488 mi
Drive Time
45 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$5,349-$6,593
LTL Rate Est.
$1,568-$2,515
Dayton to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles basin is the undisputed freight capital of the Western Hemisphere. The San Pedro Bay port complex (LA + Long Beach) handles 40% of all US containerized imports, generating a tidal wave of drayage and long-haul freight that radiates outward on I-10, I-15, and I-5. The Inland Empire east of LA has become the largest warehouse market in the world, with over 600 million square feet of distribution space absorbing and redistributing Asian imports to every corner of the country.
The Dayton-to-Los Angeles corridor spans 2,488 miles via I-70, I-75, I-5, I-10. This lane connects aerospace & defense and advanced manufacturing freight from the Dayton market to entertainment & media and international trade demand in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles Receives
Los Angeles's entertainment & media, international trade, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Dayton.
consumer electronics
furniture & housewares
automotive parts
textiles & fabrics
industrial machinery
toys & games
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Dayton and Los Angeles, 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.
$5,349-$6,593 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.
$7,091-$9,081 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.
$1,568-$2,515 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Dayton to Los Angeles lane (2,488 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $5,349-$6,593 | 45 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,568-$2,515 | 47-49 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $8,086-$11,196 | 30 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,359-$4,603 | 48-50 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Dayton and Los Angeles that drive volume on this lane.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Emerson Climate Technologies
Delphi Technologies
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Shipping Tips for Dayton to Los Angeles
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.
Los Angeles Seasonal Advisory
Import surge begins in August for holiday retail season, peaking in October-November. Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a brief lull followed by a restocking wave in March.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,488 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 Los Angeles Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Dayton to Los Angeles?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Dayton, OH to Los Angeles, CA currently range from $5,349-$6,593 for a standard dry van load over the 2,488-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,568-$2,515 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 Los Angeles?
Standard FTL transit from Dayton to Los Angeles is approximately 45 hrs by truck over 2,488 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 Los Angeles freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Dayton commonly ships aerospace components, auto parts, HVAC equipment, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Los Angeles commonly receives consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Los Angeles to Dayton?
Yes. Los Angeles is a strong outbound market shipping containerized imports (re-distribution), entertainment equipment, apparel & fashion. Carriers returning from Los Angeles to Dayton can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Dayton-to-Los Angeles lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Dayton to Los Angeles?
The Dayton-to-Los Angeles corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Dayton's top outbound commodities include aerospace components, auto parts, HVAC equipment, precision instruments, defense electronics, packaging materials. Los Angeles's primary inbound freight includes consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts, textiles & fabrics, industrial machinery, toys & games. Industries driving this lane include aerospace & defense and advanced manufacturing from Dayton and entertainment & media and international trade in Los Angeles.
Get Exact Rates for Dayton to Los Angeles
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