Freight Shipping from Long Beach to Birmingham
Ship freight from Long Beach, CA to Birmingham, AL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $5,027-$6,196, LTL from $1,486-$2,387. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,338 mi
Drive Time
43 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$5,027-$6,196
LTL Rate Est.
$1,486-$2,387
Long Beach to Birmingham Freight Corridor
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.
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 Long Beach-to-Birmingham corridor spans 2,338 miles via I-710, I-405, I-20, I-65. This lane connects port operations and oil & petrochemicals freight from the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Long Beach's economy is driven by port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
transloaded imports
petroleum products
recycled materials
aerospace components
machinery
cotton exports
What Birmingham Receives
Birmingham's automotive manufacturing, steel production, medical devices sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Long Beach.
raw iron ore
automotive components
consumer electronics
building materials
petroleum products
packaging materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Long Beach 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.
$5,027-$6,196 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.
$6,663-$8,534 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$7,365-$9,937 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.
$1,486-$2,387 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Long Beach to Birmingham lane (2,338 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $5,027-$6,196 | 43 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,486-$2,387 | 45-47 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $7,599-$10,521 | 28 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,156-$4,325 | 46-48 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Long Beach and Birmingham that drive volume on this lane.
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International
U.S. Steel
Honda Manufacturing of Alabama
Shipping Tips for Long Beach to Birmingham
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.
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.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,338 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 43 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.
Long Beach to Birmingham Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Long Beach to Birmingham?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Long Beach, CA to Birmingham, AL currently range from $5,027-$6,196 for a standard dry van load over the 2,338-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,486-$2,387 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 Long Beach to Birmingham?
Standard FTL transit from Long Beach to Birmingham is approximately 43 hrs by truck over 2,338 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 Long Beach to Birmingham freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Long Beach commonly ships transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, 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 Long Beach?
Yes. Birmingham is a strong outbound market shipping steel coils & pipe, automotive parts, medical equipment. Carriers returning from Birmingham to Long Beach can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Long Beach-to-Birmingham lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Long Beach to Birmingham?
The Long Beach-to-Birmingham corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Long Beach's top outbound commodities include transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, aerospace components, machinery, cotton exports. 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 operations and oil & petrochemicals from Long Beach and automotive manufacturing and steel production in Birmingham.
Get Exact Rates for Long Beach to Birmingham
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Long Beach to Birmingham lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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