Freight Shipping from Long Beach to Kent
Ship freight from Long Beach, CA to Kent, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,694-$3,320, LTL from $889-$1,465. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,253 mi
Drive Time
23 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,694-$3,320
LTL Rate Est.
$889-$1,465
Long Beach to Kent 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.
Kent sits in the heart of the Green River Valley, home to the largest warehouse and distribution concentration in the Pacific Northwest. Over 60 million square feet of industrial space lines the valley floor, housing Amazon fulfillment centers, Blue Origin's rocket manufacturing campus, and REI's national headquarters. The valley's proximity to both the Port of Tacoma and Sea-Tac Airport makes it the natural transload point for imported goods entering the Pacific Northwest.
The Long Beach-to-Kent corridor spans 1,253 miles via I-710, I-405, I-5, SR-167. This lane connects port operations and oil & petrochemicals freight from the Long Beach market to warehousing & distribution and aerospace manufacturing demand in Kent. 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 Kent Receives
Kent's warehousing & distribution, aerospace manufacturing, food processing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Long Beach.
containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma)
raw materials
packaging supplies
food ingredients
consumer goods
fuel products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Long Beach and Kent, 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.
$2,694-$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.
$3,571-$4,573 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,947-$5,325 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.
$889-$1,465 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Long Beach to Kent lane (1,253 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,694-$3,320 | 23 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $889-$1,465 | 25-27 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,072-$5,639 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,692-$2,318 | 26-28 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Long Beach and Kent that drive volume on this lane.
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Amazon Kent Fulfillment (BFI4/BFI3)
Blue Origin (HQ)
REI Co-op (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Long Beach to Kent
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.
Kent Seasonal Advisory
Amazon fulfillment drives massive Q4 holiday surges (October-December). Blue Origin rocket component shipments are irregular but high-value. REI seasonal inventory peaks align with outdoor recreation seasons — spring gear (February-March) and winter gear (August-September).
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,253 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 23 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 Kent Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Long Beach to Kent?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Long Beach, CA to Kent, WA currently range from $2,694-$3,320 for a standard dry van load over the 1,253-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $889-$1,465 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 Kent?
Standard FTL transit from Long Beach to Kent is approximately 23 hrs by truck over 1,253 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 Kent 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. Kent commonly receives containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma), raw materials, packaging supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Kent to Long Beach?
Yes. Kent is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce shipments, aerospace components, processed foods. Carriers returning from Kent to Long Beach can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Long Beach-to-Kent lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Long Beach to Kent?
The Long Beach-to-Kent corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Long Beach's top outbound commodities include transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, aerospace components, machinery, cotton exports. Kent's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma), raw materials, packaging supplies, food ingredients, consumer goods, fuel products. Industries driving this lane include port operations and oil & petrochemicals from Long Beach and warehousing & distribution and aerospace manufacturing in Kent.
Get Exact Rates for Long Beach to Kent
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Long Beach to Kent lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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