Freight Shipping from Long Beach to San Antonio
Ship freight from Long Beach, CA to San Antonio, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,341-$4,118, LTL from $1,055-$1,721. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,554 mi
Drive Time
28 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,341-$4,118
LTL Rate Est.
$1,055-$1,721
Long Beach to San Antonio 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.
San Antonio's freight economy is uniquely driven by the military — Joint Base San Antonio encompasses three installations and is the largest Department of Defense joint base in the country. Toyota's Tundra and Sequoia assembly plant in south San Antonio creates dedicated automotive lanes to suppliers across Texas and Mexico. H-E-B, the beloved Texas grocery chain headquartered here, operates one of the most efficient private distribution networks in the retail industry.
The Long Beach-to-San Antonio corridor spans 1,554 miles via I-710, I-405, I-35, I-10. This lane connects port operations and oil & petrochemicals freight from the Long Beach market to military & defense and healthcare demand in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio Receives
San Antonio's military & defense, healthcare, cybersecurity sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Long Beach.
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
food products
fuel
vehicles
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Long Beach and San Antonio, 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.
$3,341-$4,118 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.
$4,429-$5,672 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,895-$6,605 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.
$1,055-$1,721 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Long Beach to San Antonio lane (1,554 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,341-$4,118 | 28 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,055-$1,721 | 30-32 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,051-$6,993 | 19 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,098-$2,875 | 31-33 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Long Beach and San Antonio that drive volume on this lane.
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Long Beach to San Antonio
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.
San Antonio Seasonal Advisory
Military freight follows federal fiscal year cycles with a September surge. Toyota production runs year-round with July and December shutdowns. H-E-B distribution intensifies ahead of holidays and during severe weather events when Texans stock up.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,554 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 28 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 San Antonio Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Long Beach to San Antonio?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Long Beach, CA to San Antonio, TX currently range from $3,341-$4,118 for a standard dry van load over the 1,554-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,055-$1,721 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 San Antonio?
Standard FTL transit from Long Beach to San Antonio is approximately 28 hrs by truck over 1,554 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 San Antonio 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. San Antonio commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, military supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from San Antonio to Long Beach?
Yes. San Antonio is a strong outbound market shipping military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods. Carriers returning from San Antonio to Long Beach can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Long Beach-to-San Antonio lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Long Beach to San Antonio?
The Long Beach-to-San Antonio corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Long Beach's top outbound commodities include transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, aerospace components, machinery, cotton exports. San Antonio's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, food products, fuel, vehicles. Industries driving this lane include port operations and oil & petrochemicals from Long Beach and military & defense and healthcare in San Antonio.
Get Exact Rates for Long Beach to San Antonio
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Long Beach to San Antonio lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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