Freight Shipping from Long Beach to Denver
Ship freight from Long Beach, CA to Denver, CO with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,341-$2,886, LTL from $799-$1,326. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,089 mi
Drive Time
20 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,341-$2,886
LTL Rate Est.
$799-$1,326
Long Beach to Denver 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.
Denver is the Rocky Mountain region's undisputed freight hub and the last major distribution point before the I-70 mountain corridor forces carriers through some of the most challenging terrain in the lower 48. The city's booming population growth has spawned massive warehouse development along the I-76 and E-470 corridors near DIA. Denver's natural foods industry, anchored by WhiteWave, Natural Grocers, and dozens of craft producers, generates high-value reefer freight heading to both coasts.
The Long Beach-to-Denver corridor spans 1,089 miles via I-710, I-405, I-25, I-70. This lane connects port operations and oil & petrochemicals freight from the Long Beach market to aerospace & defense and technology demand in Denver. 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 Denver Receives
Denver's aerospace & defense, technology, natural foods & beverage sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Long Beach.
consumer goods
building materials
automotive vehicles
industrial machinery
fresh produce
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Long Beach and Denver, 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.
$2,341-$2,886 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.
$2,886-$3,648 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.
$3,104-$3,975 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,430-$4,628 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Long Beach to Denver lane (1,089 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,341-$2,886 | 20 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $799-$1,326 | 22-24 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,539-$4,901 | 13 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,470-$2,015 | 23-25 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Long Beach and Denver that drive volume on this lane.
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Long Beach to Denver
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.
Denver Seasonal Advisory
Construction season (April-October) drives flatbed demand for building materials headed to mountain resort communities. Ski season freight (equipment, supplies) peaks September-November as resorts stock up.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,089 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 20 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 Denver Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Long Beach to Denver?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Long Beach, CA to Denver, CO currently range from $2,341-$2,886 for a standard dry van load over the 1,089-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $799-$1,326 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 Denver?
Standard FTL transit from Long Beach to Denver is approximately 20 hrs by truck over 1,089 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 Denver 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. Denver commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Denver to Long Beach?
Yes. Denver is a strong outbound market shipping natural & organic foods, craft beer & spirits, aerospace components. Carriers returning from Denver to Long Beach can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Long Beach-to-Denver lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Long Beach to Denver?
The Long Beach-to-Denver corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Long Beach's top outbound commodities include transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, aerospace components, machinery, cotton exports. Denver's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles, industrial machinery, fresh produce, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include port operations and oil & petrochemicals from Long Beach and aerospace & defense and technology in Denver.
Get Exact Rates for Long Beach to Denver
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Long Beach to Denver lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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