Freight Shipping from Los Angeles to San Francisco
Ship freight from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $987-$1,216, LTL from $452-$790. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
459 mi
Drive Time
8 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$987-$1,216
LTL Rate Est.
$452-$790
Los Angeles to San Francisco 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.
San Francisco's freight economy is driven by the highest-value-per-pound commodities in the country. Biotech shipments from the South San Francisco corridor require validated cold chain logistics, while tech companies demand white-glove, high-security transport for prototype hardware and server equipment. The constrained geography of the peninsula limits warehouse space, pushing most distribution operations across the bay to Oakland or south to San Jose.
The Los Angeles-to-San Francisco corridor spans 459 miles via I-5, I-10, I-80, US-101. This lane connects entertainment & media and international trade freight from the Los Angeles market to technology and biotechnology demand in San Francisco. 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 San Francisco Receives
San Francisco's technology, biotechnology, financial services sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Los Angeles.
server equipment
office furniture
construction materials
consumer goods
lab supplies
imported foods
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Los Angeles and San Francisco, 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.
$987-$1,216 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.
$1,308-$1,675 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.
$452-$790 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Los Angeles to San Francisco lane (459 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $987-$1,216 | 8 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $452-$790 | 10-12 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,492-$2,066 | 6 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Los Angeles and San Francisco that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Salesforce
Genentech
McKesson
Shipping Tips for Los Angeles to San Francisco
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.
San Francisco Seasonal Advisory
Wine harvest (August-October) from Napa and Sonoma valleys creates seasonal reefer and temperature-controlled demand. Tech company product launches (often September-October) drive spikes in white-glove shipments.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 459 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 San Francisco Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA currently range from $987-$1,216 for a standard dry van load over the 459-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $452-$790 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 San Francisco?
Standard FTL transit from Los Angeles to San Francisco is approximately 8 hrs by truck over 459 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 San Francisco 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. San Francisco commonly receives server equipment, office furniture, construction materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Yes. San Francisco is a strong outbound market shipping tech hardware & servers, biotech pharmaceuticals, wine & spirits. Carriers returning from San Francisco to Los Angeles can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Los Angeles-to-San Francisco lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
The Los Angeles-to-San Francisco 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. San Francisco's primary inbound freight includes server equipment, office furniture, construction materials, consumer goods, lab supplies, imported foods. Industries driving this lane include entertainment & media and international trade from Los Angeles and technology and biotechnology in San Francisco.
Get Exact Rates for Los Angeles to San Francisco
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