Freight Shipping from Gulfport to Birmingham
Ship freight from Gulfport, MS to Birmingham, AL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $714-$880, LTL from $383-$682. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
332 mi
Drive Time
6 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$714-$880
LTL Rate Est.
$383-$682
Gulfport to Birmingham Freight Corridor
Gulfport-Biloxi is the Mississippi Gulf Coast's freight anchor, with the Port of Gulfport serving as a major Dole fruit import terminal receiving banana and pineapple shipments from Central America. Nearby Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula is the nation's largest military shipbuilder, generating oversize defense cargo. Keesler AFB adds steady government freight volume.
Birmingham sits at the crossroads of I-20 and I-65, making it the natural distribution pivot between the Gulf Coast and the upper Southeast. The metro's steel heritage lives on through McWane and U.S. Steel operations that keep flatbed demand consistently high. Mercedes-Benz and Honda assembly plants in Tuscaloosa and Lincoln create a steady diet of JIT automotive freight moving on dedicated lanes to suppliers across the Midwest.
The Gulfport-to-Birmingham corridor spans 332 miles via I-59. This lane connects port & maritime and military (keesler afb) freight from the Gulfport market to automotive manufacturing and steel production demand in Birmingham. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Gulfport
Gulfport's economy is driven by port & maritime, military (keesler afb), gaming & casinos, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
frozen poultry (export)
forest products
resin & polymers
military equipment
seafood
scrap metal
What Birmingham Receives
Birmingham's automotive manufacturing, steel production, medical devices sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Gulfport.
raw iron ore
automotive components
consumer electronics
building materials
petroleum products
packaging materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Gulfport and Birmingham, 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.
$714-$880 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.
$880-$1,112 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.
$946-$1,212 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,046-$1,411 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Gulfport to Birmingham lane (332 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $714-$880 | 6 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $383-$682 | 8-10 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,079-$1,494 | 4 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Gulfport and Birmingham that drive volume on this lane.
Dole Fresh Fruit
Keesler Air Force Base
Huntington Ingalls (Pascagoula)
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
U.S. Steel
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
Shipping Tips for Gulfport to Birmingham
Gulfport Seasonal Advisory
Hurricane season (June-November) poses significant risk to port operations and can shut down I-10 coastal routes. Post-hurricane rebuild freight surges have historically lasted 12-18 months and dramatically inflate local rates.
Birmingham Seasonal Advisory
Steel shipments peak Q1-Q2 as construction season ramps up. Automotive freight dips during the two-week July shutdown at Mercedes and Honda plants.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 332 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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.
Gulfport to Birmingham Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Gulfport to Birmingham?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Gulfport, MS to Birmingham, AL currently range from $714-$880 for a standard dry van load over the 332-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $383-$682 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 Gulfport to Birmingham?
Standard FTL transit from Gulfport to Birmingham is approximately 6 hrs by truck over 332 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%.
What equipment do I need for Gulfport to Birmingham freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Gulfport commonly ships frozen poultry (export), forest products, resin & polymers, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Birmingham commonly receives raw iron ore, automotive components, consumer electronics. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Birmingham to Gulfport?
Yes. Birmingham is a strong outbound market shipping steel coils & pipe, automotive parts, medical equipment. Carriers returning from Birmingham to Gulfport can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Gulfport-to-Birmingham lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Gulfport to Birmingham?
The Gulfport-to-Birmingham corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Gulfport's top outbound commodities include frozen poultry (export), forest products, resin & polymers, military equipment, seafood, scrap metal. Birmingham's primary inbound freight includes raw iron ore, automotive components, consumer electronics, building materials, petroleum products, packaging materials. Industries driving this lane include port & maritime and military (Keesler AFB) from Gulfport and automotive manufacturing and steel production in Birmingham.
Get Exact Rates for Gulfport to Birmingham
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Gulfport to Birmingham lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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