Freight Shipping from Los Angeles to Seattle
Ship freight from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,705-$3,334, LTL from $892-$1,469. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,258 mi
Drive Time
23 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,705-$3,334
LTL Rate Est.
$892-$1,469
Los Angeles to Seattle 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.
Seattle is the Pacific Northwest's freight powerhouse, combining one of the nation's largest container ports with the headquarters of Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Costco. The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle + Tacoma) is the fourth-largest container gateway in North America, funneling Asian imports into the U.S. interior via BNSF and Union Pacific rail. Amazon's explosive last-mile network has transformed the region's freight landscape, with dozens of delivery stations and fulfillment centers scattered across the Puget Sound.
The Los Angeles-to-Seattle corridor spans 1,258 miles via I-5. This lane connects entertainment & media and international trade freight from the Los Angeles market to technology and aerospace (boeing) demand in Seattle. 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 Seattle Receives
Seattle's technology, aerospace (boeing), e-commerce (amazon) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Los Angeles.
containerized imports (Asia)
consumer electronics
automotive vehicles
construction materials
industrial machinery
food & beverage
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Los Angeles and Seattle, 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.
$2,705-$3,334 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.
$3,585-$4,592 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.
$892-$1,469 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Los Angeles to Seattle lane (1,258 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,705-$3,334 | 23 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $892-$1,469 | 25-27 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,089-$5,661 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,698-$2,327 | 26-28 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Los Angeles and Seattle that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Amazon (HQ)
Boeing Everett/Renton
Microsoft (Redmond)
Shipping Tips for Los Angeles to Seattle
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.
Seattle Seasonal Advisory
Port volumes peak July-October as retailers stock for holidays. Apple and cherry harvest (July-September) from eastern Washington creates heavy reefer demand. Boeing production schedules drive oversized and flatbed freight year-round. Amazon Q4 surge (October-December) is the single largest seasonal freight event in the region.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,258 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.
Los Angeles to Seattle Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Los Angeles to Seattle?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA currently range from $2,705-$3,334 for a standard dry van load over the 1,258-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $892-$1,469 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 Seattle?
Standard FTL transit from Los Angeles to Seattle is approximately 23 hrs by truck over 1,258 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 Seattle 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. Seattle commonly receives containerized imports (Asia), consumer electronics, automotive vehicles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Seattle to Los Angeles?
Yes. Seattle is a strong outbound market shipping aircraft & aerospace parts, software/cloud hardware, seafood (Alaska processing). Carriers returning from Seattle to Los Angeles can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Los Angeles-to-Seattle lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Los Angeles to Seattle?
The Los Angeles-to-Seattle 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. Seattle's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia), consumer electronics, automotive vehicles, construction materials, industrial machinery, food & beverage. Industries driving this lane include entertainment & media and international trade from Los Angeles and technology and aerospace (Boeing) in Seattle.
Get Exact Rates for Los Angeles to Seattle
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Los Angeles to Seattle lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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