Freight Shipping from Denver to Long Beach
Ship freight from Denver, CO to Long Beach, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,341-$2,886, LTL from $799-$1,326. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,089 mi
Drive Time
20 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,341-$2,886
LTL Rate Est.
$799-$1,326
Denver to Long Beach 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.
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 Denver-to-Long Beach corridor spans 1,089 miles via I-25, I-70, I-710, I-405. This lane connects aerospace & defense and technology freight from the Denver 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 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 Long Beach Receives
Long Beach's port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Denver.
containerized consumer goods
electronics
furniture
auto parts
textiles
toys & housewares
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Denver 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.
$2,341-$2,886 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.
$2,886-$3,648 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.
$799-$1,326 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Denver to Long Beach lane (1,089 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,341-$2,886 | 20 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $799-$1,326 | 22-24 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,539-$4,901 | 13 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,470-$2,015 | 23-25 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Denver and Long Beach that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Shipping Tips for Denver to Long Beach
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.
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 1,089 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 20 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.
Denver to Long Beach Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Denver to Long Beach?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Denver, CO to Long Beach, CA currently range from $2,341-$2,886 for a standard dry van load over the 1,089-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $799-$1,326 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 Long Beach?
Standard FTL transit from Denver to Long Beach is approximately 20 hrs by truck over 1,089 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 Long Beach 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. 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 Denver?
Yes. Long Beach is a strong outbound market shipping transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials. Carriers returning from Long Beach to Denver can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Denver-to-Long Beach lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Denver to Long Beach?
The Denver-to-Long Beach 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. 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 technology from Denver and port operations and oil & petrochemicals in Long Beach.
Get Exact Rates for Denver to Long Beach
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