Freight Shipping from Gulfport to Tampa
Ship freight from Gulfport, MS to Tampa, FL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,213-$1,495, LTL from $510-$879. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
564 mi
Drive Time
10 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,213-$1,495
LTL Rate Est.
$510-$879
Gulfport to Tampa 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.
Tampa Bay's freight economy revolves around three pillars: Mosaic's massive Bone Valley phosphate mining operations that generate millions of tons of bulk freight annually, the Port Tampa Bay petroleum and bulk cargo terminals, and the rapidly growing I-4 corridor distribution zone stretching east toward Orlando and Lakeland. The region's population growth consistently ranks among the fastest in the US, fueling construction material demand that keeps flatbed carriers busy year-round.
The Gulfport-to-Tampa corridor spans 564 miles via I-10, US-49, I-75, I-4. This lane connects port & maritime and military (keesler afb) freight from the Gulfport market to healthcare and financial services demand in Tampa. 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 Tampa Receives
Tampa's healthcare, financial services, tourism sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Gulfport.
construction materials
consumer goods
petroleum products
food & beverage
automotive vehicles
industrial equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Gulfport and Tampa, 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.
$1,213-$1,495 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.
$1,495-$1,889 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.
$1,607-$2,059 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,777-$2,397 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Gulfport to Tampa lane (564 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,213-$1,495 | 10 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $510-$879 | 12-14 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,833-$2,538 | 7 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $761-$1,043 | 13-15 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Gulfport and Tampa that drive volume on this lane.
Dole Fresh Fruit
Keesler Air Force Base
Huntington Ingalls (Pascagoula)
Mosaic Company (HQ)
Amazon (3 facilities)
Jabil Inc. (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Gulfport to Tampa
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.
Tampa Seasonal Advisory
Citrus season (November-May) drives reefer demand from groves in Polk and Highlands counties. Strawberry harvest from Plant City peaks January through March. Hurricane season can disrupt port operations and trigger emergency supply freight.
Overnight Transit
This 564-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.
Gulfport to Tampa Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Gulfport to Tampa?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Gulfport, MS to Tampa, FL currently range from $1,213-$1,495 for a standard dry van load over the 564-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $510-$879 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 Tampa?
Standard FTL transit from Gulfport to Tampa is approximately 10 hrs by truck over 564 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 Gulfport to Tampa 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. Tampa commonly receives construction materials, consumer goods, petroleum products. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tampa to Gulfport?
Yes. Tampa is a strong outbound market shipping phosphate rock & fertilizer, citrus products, medical devices. Carriers returning from Tampa to Gulfport can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Gulfport-to-Tampa lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Gulfport to Tampa?
The Gulfport-to-Tampa corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Gulfport's top outbound commodities include frozen poultry (export), forest products, resin & polymers, military equipment, seafood, scrap metal. Tampa's primary inbound freight includes construction materials, consumer goods, petroleum products, food & beverage, automotive vehicles, industrial equipment. Industries driving this lane include port & maritime and military (Keesler AFB) from Gulfport and healthcare and financial services in Tampa.
Get Exact Rates for Gulfport to Tampa
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Gulfport to Tampa lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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