Freight Shipping from Long Beach to Tacoma
Ship freight from Long Beach, CA to Tacoma, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,677-$3,299, LTL from $885-$1,458. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,245 mi
Drive Time
23 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,677-$3,299
LTL Rate Est.
$885-$1,458
Long Beach to Tacoma 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.
Tacoma is the southern anchor of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, handling the bulk of container vessel calls for the Pacific Northwest. The Port of Tacoma's deep-water terminals process millions of TEUs annually, with direct rail connections to BNSF's transcontinental network. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest military installation on the West Coast, generates substantial defense logistics freight including vehicle movements, equipment deployments, and supply chain operations.
The Long Beach-to-Tacoma corridor spans 1,245 miles via I-710, I-405, I-5, SR-16. This lane connects port operations and oil & petrochemicals freight from the Long Beach market to port logistics and military (joint base lewis-mcchord) demand in Tacoma. 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 Tacoma Receives
Tacoma's port logistics, military (joint base lewis-mcchord), manufacturing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Long Beach.
containerized imports (Asia)
vehicles
petroleum products
construction materials
military supplies
consumer goods
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Long Beach and Tacoma, 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.
$2,677-$3,299 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.
$3,548-$4,544 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,922-$5,291 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.
$885-$1,458 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Long Beach to Tacoma lane (1,245 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,677-$3,299 | 23 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $885-$1,458 | 25-27 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,046-$5,603 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,681-$2,303 | 26-28 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Long Beach and Tacoma that drive volume on this lane.
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Port of Tacoma / NW Seaport Alliance
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Simpson Tacoma Kraft
Shipping Tips for Long Beach to Tacoma
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.
Tacoma Seasonal Advisory
Container import volumes peak mid-summer through early fall for holiday retail inventory. Military freight follows deployment and exercise schedules at JBLM. Grain export season (August-November) from eastern Washington drives heavy truck-to-ship transfers at the port.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,245 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 Tacoma Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Long Beach to Tacoma?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Long Beach, CA to Tacoma, WA currently range from $2,677-$3,299 for a standard dry van load over the 1,245-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $885-$1,458 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 Tacoma?
Standard FTL transit from Long Beach to Tacoma is approximately 23 hrs by truck over 1,245 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 Tacoma 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. Tacoma commonly receives containerized imports (Asia), vehicles, petroleum products. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tacoma to Long Beach?
Yes. Tacoma is a strong outbound market shipping containerized exports (grain, hay), lumber & wood products, military equipment. Carriers returning from Tacoma to Long Beach can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Long Beach-to-Tacoma lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Long Beach to Tacoma?
The Long Beach-to-Tacoma corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Long Beach's top outbound commodities include transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, aerospace components, machinery, cotton exports. Tacoma's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia), vehicles, petroleum products, construction materials, military supplies, consumer goods. Industries driving this lane include port operations and oil & petrochemicals from Long Beach and port logistics and military (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) in Tacoma.
Get Exact Rates for Long Beach to Tacoma
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Long Beach to Tacoma lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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