Freight Shipping from Mobile to Long Beach
Ship freight from Mobile, AL to Long Beach, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,945-$6,095, LTL from $1,465-$2,355. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,300 mi
Drive Time
42 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,945-$6,095
LTL Rate Est.
$1,465-$2,355
Mobile to Long Beach Freight Corridor
Mobile is the Gulf Coast's overlooked freight powerhouse. The Port of Mobile handles 60+ million tons annually and the Airbus A320 final assembly line creates a unique mix of containerized imports, oversize aerospace cargo, and bulk commodities. The AM/NS Calvert steel mill (a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel) is one of the most advanced in North America, generating heavy flatbed volume on I-65 northbound.
The Port of Long Beach, paired with the adjacent Port of Los Angeles, forms the San Pedro Bay complex that handles nearly half of all US maritime imports. Long Beach itself has invested billions in on-dock rail infrastructure, allowing containers to move directly from ship to train without a truck dray, though the majority still leave by truck on the notoriously congested I-710. The city's zero-emission truck mandates are reshaping drayage economics as carriers invest in electric and hydrogen-powered equipment.
The Mobile-to-Long Beach corridor spans 2,300 miles via I-10, I-65, I-710, I-405. This lane connects shipbuilding and petrochemicals freight from the Mobile market to port operations and oil & petrochemicals demand in Long Beach. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Mobile
Mobile's economy is driven by shipbuilding, petrochemicals, aerospace assembly, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
lumber & timber
petrochemicals
aircraft assemblies
coal exports
paper products
seafood
What Long Beach Receives
Long Beach's port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Mobile.
containerized consumer goods
electronics
furniture
auto parts
textiles
toys & housewares
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Mobile and Long Beach, 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.
$4,945-$6,095 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.
$6,095-$7,705 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.
$6,555-$8,395 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$7,245-$9,775 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Mobile to Long Beach lane (2,300 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,945-$6,095 | 42 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,465-$2,355 | 44-46 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $7,475-$10,350 | 28 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,105-$4,255 | 45-47 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Mobile and Long Beach that drive volume on this lane.
Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Austal USA
AM/NS Calvert Steel
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Shipping Tips for Mobile to Long Beach
Mobile Seasonal Advisory
Hurricane season (June-November) can shut down port operations for days, creating massive post-storm freight surges. Shrimp season drives reefer demand from May through October.
Long Beach Seasonal Advisory
Peak import season runs August through November for holiday retail. The "blank sailing" period during Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a 3-4 week dip before the spring restocking wave.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,300 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 42 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.
Mobile to Long Beach Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Mobile to Long Beach?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Mobile, AL to Long Beach, CA currently range from $4,945-$6,095 for a standard dry van load over the 2,300-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,465-$2,355 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 Mobile to Long Beach?
Standard FTL transit from Mobile to Long Beach is approximately 42 hrs by truck over 2,300 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 Mobile to Long Beach freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Mobile commonly ships lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Long Beach commonly receives containerized consumer goods, electronics, furniture. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Long Beach to Mobile?
Yes. Long Beach is a strong outbound market shipping transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials. Carriers returning from Long Beach to Mobile can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Mobile-to-Long Beach lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Mobile to Long Beach?
The Mobile-to-Long Beach corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Mobile's top outbound commodities include lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, coal exports, paper products, seafood. Long Beach's primary inbound freight includes containerized consumer goods, electronics, furniture, auto parts, textiles, toys & housewares. Industries driving this lane include shipbuilding and petrochemicals from Mobile and port operations and oil & petrochemicals in Long Beach.
Get Exact Rates for Mobile to Long Beach
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Mobile to Long Beach lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts