Freight Shipping from Long Beach to Seattle
Ship freight from Long Beach, CA to Seattle, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,739-$3,376, LTL from $901-$1,483. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,274 mi
Drive Time
23 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,739-$3,376
LTL Rate Est.
$901-$1,483
Long Beach to Seattle 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.
Seattle is the Pacific Northwest's freight powerhouse, combining one of the nation's largest container ports with the headquarters of Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Costco. The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle + Tacoma) is the fourth-largest container gateway in North America, funneling Asian imports into the U.S. interior via BNSF and Union Pacific rail. Amazon's explosive last-mile network has transformed the region's freight landscape, with dozens of delivery stations and fulfillment centers scattered across the Puget Sound.
The Long Beach-to-Seattle corridor spans 1,274 miles via I-405. This lane connects port operations and oil & petrochemicals freight from the Long Beach market to technology and aerospace (boeing) demand in Seattle. 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 Seattle Receives
Seattle's technology, aerospace (boeing), e-commerce (amazon) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Long Beach.
containerized imports (Asia)
consumer electronics
automotive vehicles
construction materials
industrial machinery
food & beverage
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Long Beach and Seattle, 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.
$2,739-$3,376 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.
$3,631-$4,650 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,013-$5,415 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.
$901-$1,483 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Long Beach to Seattle lane (1,274 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,739-$3,376 | 23 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $901-$1,483 | 25-27 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,141-$5,733 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,720-$2,357 | 26-28 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Long Beach and Seattle that drive volume on this lane.
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Amazon (HQ)
Boeing Everett/Renton
Microsoft (Redmond)
Shipping Tips for Long Beach to Seattle
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.
Seattle Seasonal Advisory
Port volumes peak July-October as retailers stock for holidays. Apple and cherry harvest (July-September) from eastern Washington creates heavy reefer demand. Boeing production schedules drive oversized and flatbed freight year-round. Amazon Q4 surge (October-December) is the single largest seasonal freight event in the region.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,274 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 Seattle Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Long Beach to Seattle?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Long Beach, CA to Seattle, WA currently range from $2,739-$3,376 for a standard dry van load over the 1,274-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $901-$1,483 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 Seattle?
Standard FTL transit from Long Beach to Seattle is approximately 23 hrs by truck over 1,274 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 Seattle 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. Seattle commonly receives containerized imports (Asia), consumer electronics, automotive vehicles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Seattle to Long Beach?
Yes. Seattle is a strong outbound market shipping aircraft & aerospace parts, software/cloud hardware, seafood (Alaska processing). Carriers returning from Seattle to Long Beach can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Long Beach-to-Seattle lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Long Beach to Seattle?
The Long Beach-to-Seattle corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Long Beach's top outbound commodities include transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, aerospace components, machinery, cotton exports. Seattle's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia), consumer electronics, automotive vehicles, construction materials, industrial machinery, food & beverage. Industries driving this lane include port operations and oil & petrochemicals from Long Beach and technology and aerospace (Boeing) in Seattle.
Get Exact Rates for Long Beach to Seattle
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Long Beach to Seattle lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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