Freight Shipping from Los Angeles to Bakersfield
Ship freight from Los Angeles, CA to Bakersfield, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $301-$371, LTL from $277-$519. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
140 mi
Drive Time
3 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$301-$371
LTL Rate Est.
$277-$519
Los Angeles to Bakersfield Freight Corridor
The Los Angeles basin is the undisputed freight capital of the Western Hemisphere. The San Pedro Bay port complex (LA + Long Beach) handles 40% of all US containerized imports, generating a tidal wave of drayage and long-haul freight that radiates outward on I-10, I-15, and I-5. The Inland Empire east of LA has become the largest warehouse market in the world, with over 600 million square feet of distribution space absorbing and redistributing Asian imports to every corner of the country.
Bakersfield is where California's two biggest freight industries — oil and agriculture — collide. Kern County is the state's top oil-producing county and its most productive agricultural county, creating a unique dual freight market. Grimmway Farms and Bolthouse Farms ship more carrots from here than anywhere else on Earth, while Chevron's Kern River oilfield operations generate tanker and flatbed freight year-round. The Tejon Commerce Center near the Grapevine (I-5/SR-99 junction) has emerged as a major distribution hub serving both LA and the Central Valley.
The Los Angeles-to-Bakersfield corridor spans 140 miles via I-5, I-10, SR-99, SR-58. This lane connects entertainment & media and international trade freight from the Los Angeles market to oil & gas and agriculture demand in Bakersfield. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Los Angeles
Los Angeles's economy is driven by entertainment & media, international trade, aerospace, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
containerized imports (re-distribution)
entertainment equipment
apparel & fashion
aerospace components
processed foods
electronics
What Bakersfield Receives
Bakersfield's oil & gas, agriculture, logistics & distribution sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Los Angeles.
drilling equipment
consumer goods
fertilizers
fuel products
building materials
packaging supplies
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Los Angeles and Bakersfield, 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.
$301-$371 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.
$399-$511 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.
$277-$519 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Los Angeles to Bakersfield lane (140 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $301-$371 | 3 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $277-$519 | 5-7 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $455-$630 | 2 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Los Angeles and Bakersfield that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Chevron (Kern River oilfields)
Grimmway Farms (world's largest carrot grower)
Bolthouse Farms
Shipping Tips for Los Angeles to Bakersfield
Los Angeles Seasonal Advisory
Import surge begins in August for holiday retail season, peaking in October-November. Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a brief lull followed by a restocking wave in March.
Bakersfield Seasonal Advisory
Grape harvest (August-October) is the biggest produce freight event. Carrot and vegetable shipments run nearly year-round. Oil production is steady but drilling activity varies with crude prices. Solar farm construction in the Mojave (spring-fall) creates heavy haul opportunities.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 140 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.
Los Angeles to Bakersfield Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Los Angeles to Bakersfield?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Los Angeles, CA to Bakersfield, CA currently range from $301-$371 for a standard dry van load over the 140-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $277-$519 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 Los Angeles to Bakersfield?
Standard FTL transit from Los Angeles to Bakersfield is approximately 3 hrs by truck over 140 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 Los Angeles to Bakersfield freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Los Angeles commonly ships containerized imports (re-distribution), entertainment equipment, apparel & fashion, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Bakersfield commonly receives drilling equipment, consumer goods, fertilizers. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Bakersfield to Los Angeles?
Yes. Bakersfield is a strong outbound market shipping crude oil, grapes & table fruit, carrots & vegetables. Carriers returning from Bakersfield to Los Angeles can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Los Angeles-to-Bakersfield lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Los Angeles to Bakersfield?
The Los Angeles-to-Bakersfield corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Los Angeles's top outbound commodities include containerized imports (re-distribution), entertainment equipment, apparel & fashion, aerospace components, processed foods, electronics. Bakersfield's primary inbound freight includes drilling equipment, consumer goods, fertilizers, fuel products, building materials, packaging supplies. Industries driving this lane include entertainment & media and international trade from Los Angeles and oil & gas and agriculture in Bakersfield.
Get Exact Rates for Los Angeles to Bakersfield
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