Freight Shipping from Mobile to New Orleans
Ship freight from Mobile, AL to New Orleans, LA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $368-$453, LTL from $294-$545. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
171 mi
Drive Time
3 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$368-$453
LTL Rate Est.
$294-$545
Mobile to New Orleans 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.
New Orleans commands the mouth of the Mississippi River, the most important commercial waterway in the Western Hemisphere. The Port of South Louisiana complex (stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge) handles more tonnage than any other port district in the US, with grain exports from the Midwest heartland meeting oceangoing vessels at 60+ terminals along the river. The city's petrochemical corridor generates hazmat tanker freight on an industrial scale, while the tourism economy demands a constant flow of food, beverage, and hospitality supplies.
The Mobile-to-New Orleans corridor spans 171 miles via I-10. This lane connects shipbuilding and petrochemicals freight from the Mobile market to petrochemicals and port operations demand in New Orleans. 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 New Orleans Receives
New Orleans's petrochemicals, port operations, tourism & hospitality sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Mobile.
crude oil
steel & metals
containerized imports
construction materials
food service supplies
industrial chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Mobile and New Orleans, 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.
$368-$453 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.
$453-$573 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.
$487-$624 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$539-$727 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Mobile to New Orleans lane (171 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $368-$453 | 3 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $294-$545 | 5-7 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $556-$770 | 2 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Mobile and New Orleans that drive volume on this lane.
Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Austal USA
AM/NS Calvert Steel
Port of New Orleans
Entergy
Folgers/J.M. Smucker (coffee roasting)
Shipping Tips for Mobile to New Orleans
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.
New Orleans Seasonal Advisory
Mardi Gras (February-March) drives a spike in food service and event freight. Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt port and refinery operations for weeks. Grain export season peaks October through January as the harvest moves downriver.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 171 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.
Mobile to New Orleans Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Mobile to New Orleans?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Mobile, AL to New Orleans, LA currently range from $368-$453 for a standard dry van load over the 171-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $294-$545 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 New Orleans?
Standard FTL transit from Mobile to New Orleans is approximately 3 hrs by truck over 171 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 Mobile to New Orleans freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Mobile commonly ships lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. New Orleans commonly receives crude oil, steel & metals, containerized imports. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from New Orleans to Mobile?
Yes. New Orleans is a strong outbound market shipping petroleum products, chemical products, grain exports. Carriers returning from New Orleans to Mobile can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Mobile-to-New Orleans lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Mobile to New Orleans?
The Mobile-to-New Orleans corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Mobile's top outbound commodities include lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, coal exports, paper products, seafood. New Orleans's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, steel & metals, containerized imports, construction materials, food service supplies, industrial chemicals. Industries driving this lane include shipbuilding and petrochemicals from Mobile and petrochemicals and port operations in New Orleans.
Get Exact Rates for Mobile to New Orleans
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Mobile to New Orleans lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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