Freight Shipping from Los Angeles to Denver
Ship freight from Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,333-$2,875, LTL from $797-$1,322. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,085 mi
Drive Time
20 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,333-$2,875
LTL Rate Est.
$797-$1,322
Los Angeles to Denver 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.
Denver is the Rocky Mountain region's undisputed freight hub and the last major distribution point before the I-70 mountain corridor forces carriers through some of the most challenging terrain in the lower 48. The city's booming population growth has spawned massive warehouse development along the I-76 and E-470 corridors near DIA. Denver's natural foods industry, anchored by WhiteWave, Natural Grocers, and dozens of craft producers, generates high-value reefer freight heading to both coasts.
The Los Angeles-to-Denver corridor spans 1,085 miles via I-5, I-10, I-25, I-70. This lane connects entertainment & media and international trade freight from the Los Angeles market to aerospace & defense and technology demand in Denver. 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 Denver Receives
Denver's aerospace & defense, technology, natural foods & beverage sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Los Angeles.
consumer goods
building materials
automotive vehicles
industrial machinery
fresh produce
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Los Angeles and Denver, 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.
$2,333-$2,875 estimated for this lane
Refrigerated (Reefer)
Required for temperature-sensitive freight including fresh produce, dairy, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Maintains precise temperature control throughout transit.
$2,875-$3,635 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.
$3,092-$3,960 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.
$797-$1,322 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Los Angeles to Denver lane (1,085 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,333-$2,875 | 20 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $797-$1,322 | 22-24 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,526-$4,883 | 13 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,465-$2,007 | 23-25 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Los Angeles and Denver that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Los Angeles to Denver
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.
Denver Seasonal Advisory
Construction season (April-October) drives flatbed demand for building materials headed to mountain resort communities. Ski season freight (equipment, supplies) peaks September-November as resorts stock up.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,085 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 20 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.
Los Angeles to Denver Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Los Angeles to Denver?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO currently range from $2,333-$2,875 for a standard dry van load over the 1,085-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $797-$1,322 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 Denver?
Standard FTL transit from Los Angeles to Denver is approximately 20 hrs by truck over 1,085 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 Los Angeles to Denver 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. Denver commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Denver to Los Angeles?
Yes. Denver is a strong outbound market shipping natural & organic foods, craft beer & spirits, aerospace components. Carriers returning from Denver to Los Angeles can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Los Angeles-to-Denver lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Los Angeles to Denver?
The Los Angeles-to-Denver 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. Denver's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles, industrial machinery, fresh produce, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include entertainment & media and international trade from Los Angeles and aerospace & defense and technology in Denver.
Get Exact Rates for Los Angeles to Denver
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