Freight Shipping from Fort Worth to Long Beach
Ship freight from Fort Worth, TX to Long Beach, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,369-$4,153, LTL from $1,062-$1,732. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,567 mi
Drive Time
28 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,369-$4,153
LTL Rate Est.
$1,062-$1,732
Fort Worth to Long Beach Freight Corridor
Fort Worth is the aerospace and rail logistics capital of Texas. Lockheed Martin's mile-long factory produces every F-35 Lightning II fighter jet sold worldwide, generating classified, oversize, and high-security freight that requires specialized carriers. BNSF Railway's headquarters and Alliance Texas — the nation's largest inland port — create one of the most sophisticated intermodal logistics ecosystems in North America. Bell Textron builds V-22 Ospreys and commercial helicopters, adding to the aerospace freight base.
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 Fort Worth-to-Long Beach corridor spans 1,567 miles via I-35W, I-30, I-710, I-405. This lane connects aerospace & defense and rail logistics freight from the Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth
Fort Worth's economy is driven by aerospace & defense, rail logistics, ranching & agriculture, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
F-35 fighter jet components
Bell helicopters
grain & cattle
consumer goods
dairy products
industrial equipment
What Long Beach Receives
Long Beach's port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Fort Worth.
containerized consumer goods
electronics
furniture
auto parts
textiles
toys & housewares
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Fort Worth 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.
$3,369-$4,153 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.
$4,153-$5,249 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.
$1,062-$1,732 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Fort Worth to Long Beach lane (1,567 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,369-$4,153 | 28 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,062-$1,732 | 30-32 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,093-$7,052 | 19 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,115-$2,899 | 31-33 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Fort Worth and Long Beach that drive volume on this lane.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (F-35)
Bell Textron (HQ)
BNSF Railway (HQ)
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Shipping Tips for Fort Worth to Long Beach
Fort Worth Seasonal Advisory
Defense freight follows federal fiscal year-end spending (September rush). BNSF intermodal volumes peak during Q4 import season. Livestock and agricultural freight from the Fort Worth Stockyards region is strongest March through October.
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 1,567 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 28 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.
Fort Worth to Long Beach Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Fort Worth to Long Beach?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Fort Worth, TX to Long Beach, CA currently range from $3,369-$4,153 for a standard dry van load over the 1,567-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,062-$1,732 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 Fort Worth to Long Beach?
Standard FTL transit from Fort Worth to Long Beach is approximately 28 hrs by truck over 1,567 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 Fort Worth to Long Beach freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Fort Worth commonly ships F-35 fighter jet components, Bell helicopters, grain & cattle, 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 Fort Worth?
Yes. Long Beach is a strong outbound market shipping transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials. Carriers returning from Long Beach to Fort Worth can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Fort Worth-to-Long Beach lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Fort Worth to Long Beach?
The Fort Worth-to-Long Beach corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Fort Worth's top outbound commodities include F-35 fighter jet components, Bell helicopters, grain & cattle, consumer goods, dairy products, industrial equipment. 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 rail logistics from Fort Worth and port operations and oil & petrochemicals in Long Beach.
Get Exact Rates for Fort Worth to Long Beach
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