Freight Shipping from Fresno to Seattle
Ship freight from Fresno, CA to Seattle, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,131-$2,626, LTL from $745-$1,242. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
991 mi
Drive Time
18 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,131-$2,626
LTL Rate Est.
$745-$1,242
Fresno to Seattle Freight Corridor
Fresno County is the single most productive agricultural county in the United States, and the city sits at the epicenter of a reefer freight machine that feeds the nation. Every major agricultural commodity — from grapes and citrus to dairy and nuts — ships from cold storage facilities clustered along SR-99. The BNSF intermodal facility connects Valley produce to transcontinental rail networks, but the vast majority moves by truck on the two-lane highways that crisscross the Valley floor.
Seattle is the Pacific Northwest's freight powerhouse, combining one of the nation's largest container ports with the headquarters of Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Costco. The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle + Tacoma) is the fourth-largest container gateway in North America, funneling Asian imports into the U.S. interior via BNSF and Union Pacific rail. Amazon's explosive last-mile network has transformed the region's freight landscape, with dozens of delivery stations and fulfillment centers scattered across the Puget Sound.
The Fresno-to-Seattle corridor spans 991 miles via SR-99, SR-41, I-5, I-90. This lane connects agriculture and food processing freight from the Fresno market to technology and aerospace (boeing) demand in Seattle. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Fresno
Fresno's economy is driven by agriculture, food processing, wine production, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
grapes & raisins
citrus fruits
tomatoes
dairy products
almonds & pistachios
cotton
What Seattle Receives
Seattle's technology, aerospace (boeing), e-commerce (amazon) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Fresno.
containerized imports (Asia)
consumer electronics
automotive vehicles
construction materials
industrial machinery
food & beverage
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Fresno and Seattle, 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.
$2,131-$2,626 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.
$2,626-$3,320 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.
$2,824-$3,617 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.
$745-$1,242 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Fresno to Seattle lane (991 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,131-$2,626 | 18 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $745-$1,242 | 20-22 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,221-$4,460 | 12 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,338-$1,833 | 21-23 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Fresno and Seattle that drive volume on this lane.
Sun-Maid Growers
Producers Dairy
Zacky Farms
Amazon (HQ)
Boeing Everett/Renton
Microsoft (Redmond)
Shipping Tips for Fresno to Seattle
Fresno Seasonal Advisory
Grape harvest (August-October) is the largest single event. Citrus runs November through April. There is no true "slow season" in Fresno if you haul reefer — something is always being harvested or processed.
Seattle Seasonal Advisory
Port volumes peak July-October as retailers stock for holidays. Apple and cherry harvest (July-September) from eastern Washington creates heavy reefer demand. Boeing production schedules drive oversized and flatbed freight year-round. Amazon Q4 surge (October-December) is the single largest seasonal freight event in the region.
Overnight Transit
This 991-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.
Fresno to Seattle Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Fresno to Seattle?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Fresno, CA to Seattle, WA currently range from $2,131-$2,626 for a standard dry van load over the 991-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $745-$1,242 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 Fresno to Seattle?
Standard FTL transit from Fresno to Seattle is approximately 18 hrs by truck over 991 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 Fresno to Seattle freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Fresno commonly ships grapes & raisins, citrus fruits, tomatoes, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Seattle commonly receives containerized imports (Asia), consumer electronics, automotive vehicles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Seattle to Fresno?
Yes. Seattle is a strong outbound market shipping aircraft & aerospace parts, software/cloud hardware, seafood (Alaska processing). Carriers returning from Seattle to Fresno can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Fresno-to-Seattle lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Fresno to Seattle?
The Fresno-to-Seattle corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Fresno's top outbound commodities include grapes & raisins, citrus fruits, tomatoes, dairy products, almonds & pistachios, cotton. Seattle's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia), consumer electronics, automotive vehicles, construction materials, industrial machinery, food & beverage. Industries driving this lane include agriculture and food processing from Fresno and technology and aerospace (Boeing) in Seattle.
Get Exact Rates for Fresno to Seattle
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Fresno to Seattle lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts