Freight Shipping from Long Beach to San Diego
Ship freight from Long Beach, CA to San Diego, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $262-$323, LTL from $267-$504. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
122 mi
Drive Time
2 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$262-$323
LTL Rate Est.
$267-$504
Long Beach to San Diego 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 Diego's freight profile is defined by two forces: the massive military presence (Naval Base San Diego is the largest on the West Coast) and the Otay Mesa border crossing into Tijuana. The Otay Mesa industrial zone processes billions in cross-border maquiladora freight daily, with electronics and medical devices flowing north while raw materials and components move south. Biotech companies along the Torrey Pines corridor generate premium temperature-controlled shipments.
The Long Beach-to-San Diego corridor spans 122 miles via I-710, I-405, I-5, I-8. This lane connects port operations and oil & petrochemicals freight from the Long Beach market to defense & military and biotechnology demand in San Diego. 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 Diego Receives
San Diego's defense & military, biotechnology, telecommunications sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Long Beach.
military supplies
electronic components
consumer goods
construction materials
cross-border maquiladora goods
raw materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Long Beach and San Diego, 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.
$262-$323 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.
$348-$445 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$384-$519 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.
$267-$504 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Long Beach to San Diego lane (122 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $262-$323 | 2 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $267-$504 | 4-6 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $397-$549 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Long Beach and San Diego that drive volume on this lane.
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
General Atomics
Qualcomm
Northrop Grumman
Shipping Tips for Long Beach to San Diego
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 Diego Seasonal Advisory
Avocado season (spring through summer) drives reefer demand from Fallbrook and surrounding groves. Military fiscal year-end (September) triggers a rush of defense shipments. Cross-border freight dips during Mexican holidays.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 122 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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 Diego Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Long Beach to San Diego?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Long Beach, CA to San Diego, CA currently range from $262-$323 for a standard dry van load over the 122-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $267-$504 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 Diego?
Standard FTL transit from Long Beach to San Diego is approximately 2 hrs by truck over 122 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%.
What equipment do I need for Long Beach to San Diego 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 Diego commonly receives military supplies, electronic components, consumer goods. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from San Diego to Long Beach?
Yes. San Diego is a strong outbound market shipping defense electronics, biotech products, telecommunications equipment. Carriers returning from San Diego to Long Beach can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Long Beach-to-San Diego lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Long Beach to San Diego?
The Long Beach-to-San Diego 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 Diego's primary inbound freight includes military supplies, electronic components, consumer goods, construction materials, cross-border maquiladora goods, raw materials. Industries driving this lane include port operations and oil & petrochemicals from Long Beach and defense & military and biotechnology in San Diego.
Get Exact Rates for Long Beach to San Diego
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Long Beach to San Diego lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts