Freight Shipping from Denver to Dallas
Ship freight from Denver, CO to Dallas, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,851-$2,282, LTL from $674-$1,132. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
861 mi
Drive Time
16 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,851-$2,282
LTL Rate Est.
$674-$1,132
Denver to Dallas 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.
Dallas is the economic engine of the DFW metroplex, housing more Fortune 500 corporate headquarters than any city except New York. Texas Instruments and the Telecom Corridor in Richardson generate a constant flow of high-value electronics freight, while the South Dallas warehouse district contains over 150 million square feet of distribution space. The city's central location means a truck leaving Dallas can reach 93% of the U.S. population within 48 hours.
The Denver-to-Dallas corridor spans 861 miles via I-25, I-70, I-35E, I-30. This lane connects aerospace & defense and technology freight from the Denver market to technology and telecommunications demand in Dallas. 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 Dallas Receives
Dallas's technology, telecommunications, financial services sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Denver.
consumer goods
raw materials
electronic components
building materials
imported merchandise
petroleum products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Denver and Dallas, 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.
$1,851-$2,282 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.
$2,282-$2,884 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.
$2,454-$3,143 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,712-$3,659 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Denver to Dallas lane (861 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,851-$2,282 | 16 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $674-$1,132 | 18-20 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,798-$3,875 | 10 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,162-$1,593 | 19-21 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Denver and Dallas that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
Texas Instruments (HQ)
AT&T (HQ)
Amazon DFW Fulfillment Network
Shipping Tips for Denver to Dallas
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.
Dallas Seasonal Advisory
E-commerce fulfillment peaks massively during Q4 holidays. Construction freight is year-round due to DFW's unrelenting building boom. Texas Instruments production runs consistently but new product cycles create periodic shipping surges.
Overnight Transit
This 861-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 Dallas Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Denver to Dallas?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Denver, CO to Dallas, TX currently range from $1,851-$2,282 for a standard dry van load over the 861-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $674-$1,132 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 Dallas?
Standard FTL transit from Denver to Dallas is approximately 16 hrs by truck over 861 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 Dallas 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. Dallas commonly receives consumer goods, raw materials, electronic components. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Dallas to Denver?
Yes. Dallas is a strong outbound market shipping electronics (Texas Instruments), telecommunications equipment, consumer packaged goods. Carriers returning from Dallas to Denver can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Denver-to-Dallas lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Denver to Dallas?
The Denver-to-Dallas 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. Dallas's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, raw materials, electronic components, building materials, imported merchandise, petroleum products. Industries driving this lane include aerospace & defense and technology from Denver and technology and telecommunications in Dallas.
Get Exact Rates for Denver to Dallas
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Denver to Dallas lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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