Freight Shipping from Denver to Billings
Ship freight from Denver, CO to Billings, MT with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,269-$1,564, LTL from $525-$902. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
590 mi
Drive Time
11 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,269-$1,564
LTL Rate Est.
$525-$902
Denver to Billings Freight Corridor
Denver is the Rocky Mountain region's undisputed freight hub and the last major distribution point before the I-70 mountain corridor forces carriers through some of the most challenging terrain in the lower 48. The city's booming population growth has spawned massive warehouse development along the I-76 and E-470 corridors near DIA. Denver's natural foods industry, anchored by WhiteWave, Natural Grocers, and dozens of craft producers, generates high-value reefer freight heading to both coasts.
Billings is Montana's largest city and the commercial hub of the northern Great Plains, serving as a distribution point for a vast rural territory stretching from the Dakotas to Idaho. Two petroleum refineries process Bakken crude oil, generating steady tanker freight. The surrounding agricultural economy produces wheat, sugar beets, and cattle that move by truck to processing plants and rail terminals.
The Denver-to-Billings corridor spans 590 miles via I-25, I-70, I-90, I-94. This lane connects aerospace & defense and technology freight from the Denver market to petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching demand in Billings. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Denver
Denver's economy is driven by aerospace & defense, technology, natural foods & beverage, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
natural & organic foods
craft beer & spirits
aerospace components
outdoor equipment
meat products
tech hardware
What Billings Receives
Billings's petroleum refining, agriculture & ranching, energy (oil & gas) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Denver.
crude oil
consumer goods
building materials
farm equipment
industrial supplies
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Denver and Billings, 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.
$1,269-$1,564 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.
$1,564-$1,977 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.
$1,682-$2,154 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,859-$2,508 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Denver to Billings lane (590 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,269-$1,564 | 11 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $525-$902 | 13-15 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,918-$2,655 | 7 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $797-$1,092 | 14-16 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Denver and Billings that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
CHS Refinery (Laurel)
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Western Sugar Cooperative
Shipping Tips for Denver to Billings
Denver Seasonal Advisory
Construction season (April-October) drives flatbed demand for building materials headed to mountain resort communities. Ski season freight (equipment, supplies) peaks September-November as resorts stock up.
Billings Seasonal Advisory
Grain harvest (August-October) creates intense demand for hopper trailers and flatbeds. Winter conditions on I-90 over the mountain passes can close roads for days, creating delivery reliability challenges from November through March.
Overnight Transit
This 590-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.
Denver to Billings Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Denver to Billings?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Denver, CO to Billings, MT currently range from $1,269-$1,564 for a standard dry van load over the 590-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $525-$902 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 Denver to Billings?
Standard FTL transit from Denver to Billings is approximately 11 hrs by truck over 590 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 Denver to Billings freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Denver commonly ships natural & organic foods, craft beer & spirits, aerospace components, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Billings commonly receives crude oil, consumer goods, building materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Billings to Denver?
Yes. Billings is a strong outbound market shipping refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat. Carriers returning from Billings to Denver can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Denver-to-Billings lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Denver to Billings?
The Denver-to-Billings corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Denver's top outbound commodities include natural & organic foods, craft beer & spirits, aerospace components, outdoor equipment, meat products, tech hardware. Billings's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, consumer goods, building materials, farm equipment, industrial supplies, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include aerospace & defense and technology from Denver and petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching in Billings.
Get Exact Rates for Denver to Billings
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Denver to Billings lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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