Freight Shipping from Denver to Tulsa
Ship freight from Denver, CO to Tulsa, OK with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,535-$1,892, LTL from $593-$1,007. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
714 mi
Drive Time
13 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,535-$1,892
LTL Rate Est.
$593-$1,007
Denver to Tulsa 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.
Tulsa is the aerospace maintenance capital of the central U.S., with American Airlines operating its largest MRO facility here — capable of servicing widebody aircraft. The Port of Catoosa, America's most inland river port, connects Tulsa to the Gulf of Mexico via the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, enabling barge-to-truck transloading for heavy industrial freight. The city's legacy oil refining infrastructure creates steady tanker and hazmat volumes.
The Denver-to-Tulsa corridor spans 714 miles via I-25, I-70, I-44, US-75. This lane connects aerospace & defense and technology freight from the Denver market to aerospace manufacturing and energy demand in Tulsa. 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 Tulsa Receives
Tulsa's aerospace manufacturing, energy, steel fabrication sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Denver.
crude oil
raw steel
aircraft sub-assemblies
chemicals
electronic components
packaging materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Denver and Tulsa, 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.
$1,535-$1,892 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.
$1,892-$2,392 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.
$2,035-$2,606 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,249-$3,035 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Denver to Tulsa lane (714 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,535-$1,892 | 13 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $593-$1,007 | 15-17 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,321-$3,213 | 9 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $964-$1,321 | 16-18 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Denver and Tulsa that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
American Airlines Maintenance Base
NORDAM Group
Holly Frontier Refining
Shipping Tips for Denver to Tulsa
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.
Tulsa Seasonal Advisory
Aerospace MRO work peaks during winter when airlines pull aircraft from service for heavy maintenance checks. Refinery output is steady but turnaround seasons (spring and fall) temporarily reduce outbound tanker volumes while increasing inbound equipment freight.
Overnight Transit
This 714-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 Tulsa Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Denver to Tulsa?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Denver, CO to Tulsa, OK currently range from $1,535-$1,892 for a standard dry van load over the 714-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $593-$1,007 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 Tulsa?
Standard FTL transit from Denver to Tulsa is approximately 13 hrs by truck over 714 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 Tulsa 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. Tulsa commonly receives crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tulsa to Denver?
Yes. Tulsa is a strong outbound market shipping aircraft components, refined fuels, steel pipe & fittings. Carriers returning from Tulsa to Denver can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Denver-to-Tulsa lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Denver to Tulsa?
The Denver-to-Tulsa 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. Tulsa's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies, chemicals, electronic components, packaging materials. Industries driving this lane include aerospace & defense and technology from Denver and aerospace manufacturing and energy in Tulsa.
Get Exact Rates for Denver to Tulsa
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Denver to Tulsa lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts