Freight Shipping from Los Angeles to Tacoma
Ship freight from Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,642-$3,257, LTL from $876-$1,445. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,229 mi
Drive Time
22 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,642-$3,257
LTL Rate Est.
$876-$1,445
Los Angeles to Tacoma 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.
Tacoma is the southern anchor of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, handling the bulk of container vessel calls for the Pacific Northwest. The Port of Tacoma's deep-water terminals process millions of TEUs annually, with direct rail connections to BNSF's transcontinental network. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest military installation on the West Coast, generates substantial defense logistics freight including vehicle movements, equipment deployments, and supply chain operations.
The Los Angeles-to-Tacoma corridor spans 1,229 miles via I-5. This lane connects entertainment & media and international trade freight from the Los Angeles market to port logistics and military (joint base lewis-mcchord) demand in Tacoma. 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 Tacoma Receives
Tacoma's port logistics, military (joint base lewis-mcchord), manufacturing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Los Angeles.
containerized imports (Asia)
vehicles
petroleum products
construction materials
military supplies
consumer goods
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Los Angeles and Tacoma, 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.
$2,642-$3,257 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.
$3,503-$4,486 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$3,871-$5,223 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.
$876-$1,445 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Los Angeles to Tacoma lane (1,229 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,642-$3,257 | 22 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $876-$1,445 | 24-26 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $3,994-$5,531 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,659-$2,274 | 25-27 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Los Angeles and Tacoma that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Port of Tacoma / NW Seaport Alliance
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Simpson Tacoma Kraft
Shipping Tips for Los Angeles to Tacoma
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.
Tacoma Seasonal Advisory
Container import volumes peak mid-summer through early fall for holiday retail inventory. Military freight follows deployment and exercise schedules at JBLM. Grain export season (August-November) from eastern Washington drives heavy truck-to-ship transfers at the port.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,229 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 22 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 Tacoma Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Los Angeles to Tacoma?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Los Angeles, CA to Tacoma, WA currently range from $2,642-$3,257 for a standard dry van load over the 1,229-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $876-$1,445 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 Tacoma?
Standard FTL transit from Los Angeles to Tacoma is approximately 22 hrs by truck over 1,229 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 Tacoma 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. Tacoma commonly receives containerized imports (Asia), vehicles, petroleum products. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tacoma to Los Angeles?
Yes. Tacoma is a strong outbound market shipping containerized exports (grain, hay), lumber & wood products, military equipment. Carriers returning from Tacoma to Los Angeles can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Los Angeles-to-Tacoma lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Los Angeles to Tacoma?
The Los Angeles-to-Tacoma 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. Tacoma's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia), vehicles, petroleum products, construction materials, military supplies, consumer goods. Industries driving this lane include entertainment & media and international trade from Los Angeles and port logistics and military (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) in Tacoma.
Get Exact Rates for Los Angeles to Tacoma
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Los Angeles to Tacoma lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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