Freight Shipping from Long Beach to Tampa
Ship freight from Long Beach, CA to Tampa, FL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $5,999-$7,394, LTL from $1,735-$2,772. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,790 mi
Drive Time
51 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$5,999-$7,394
LTL Rate Est.
$1,735-$2,772
Long Beach to Tampa 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.
Tampa Bay's freight economy revolves around three pillars: Mosaic's massive Bone Valley phosphate mining operations that generate millions of tons of bulk freight annually, the Port Tampa Bay petroleum and bulk cargo terminals, and the rapidly growing I-4 corridor distribution zone stretching east toward Orlando and Lakeland. The region's population growth consistently ranks among the fastest in the US, fueling construction material demand that keeps flatbed carriers busy year-round.
The Long Beach-to-Tampa corridor spans 2,790 miles via I-710, I-405, I-75, I-4. This lane connects port operations and oil & petrochemicals freight from the Long Beach market to healthcare and financial services demand in Tampa. 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 Tampa Receives
Tampa's healthcare, financial services, tourism sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Long Beach.
construction materials
consumer goods
petroleum products
food & beverage
automotive vehicles
industrial equipment
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Long Beach and Tampa, 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.
$5,999-$7,394 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.
$7,952-$10,184 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$8,789-$11,858 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.
$1,735-$2,772 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Long Beach to Tampa lane (2,790 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $5,999-$7,394 | 51 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,735-$2,772 | 53-55 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $9,068-$12,555 | 34 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,767-$5,162 | 54-56 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Long Beach and Tampa that drive volume on this lane.
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Mosaic Company (HQ)
Amazon (3 facilities)
Jabil Inc. (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Long Beach to Tampa
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.
Tampa Seasonal Advisory
Citrus season (November-May) drives reefer demand from groves in Polk and Highlands counties. Strawberry harvest from Plant City peaks January through March. Hurricane season can disrupt port operations and trigger emergency supply freight.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,790 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 51 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 Tampa Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Long Beach to Tampa?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Long Beach, CA to Tampa, FL currently range from $5,999-$7,394 for a standard dry van load over the 2,790-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,735-$2,772 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 Tampa?
Standard FTL transit from Long Beach to Tampa is approximately 51 hrs by truck over 2,790 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 Tampa 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. Tampa commonly receives construction materials, consumer goods, petroleum products. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tampa to Long Beach?
Yes. Tampa is a strong outbound market shipping phosphate rock & fertilizer, citrus products, medical devices. Carriers returning from Tampa to Long Beach can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Long Beach-to-Tampa lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Long Beach to Tampa?
The Long Beach-to-Tampa corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Long Beach's top outbound commodities include transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials, aerospace components, machinery, cotton exports. Tampa's primary inbound freight includes construction materials, consumer goods, petroleum products, food & beverage, automotive vehicles, industrial equipment. Industries driving this lane include port operations and oil & petrochemicals from Long Beach and healthcare and financial services in Tampa.
Get Exact Rates for Long Beach to Tampa
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Long Beach to Tampa lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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