Freight Shipping from Mobile to San Antonio
Ship freight from Mobile, AL to San Antonio, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,763-$2,173, LTL from $651-$1,097. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
820 mi
Drive Time
15 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,763-$2,173
LTL Rate Est.
$651-$1,097
Mobile to San Antonio 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.
San Antonio's freight economy is uniquely driven by the military — Joint Base San Antonio encompasses three installations and is the largest Department of Defense joint base in the country. Toyota's Tundra and Sequoia assembly plant in south San Antonio creates dedicated automotive lanes to suppliers across Texas and Mexico. H-E-B, the beloved Texas grocery chain headquartered here, operates one of the most efficient private distribution networks in the retail industry.
The Mobile-to-San Antonio corridor spans 820 miles via I-10. This lane connects shipbuilding and petrochemicals freight from the Mobile market to military & defense and healthcare demand in San Antonio. 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 San Antonio Receives
San Antonio's military & defense, healthcare, cybersecurity sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Mobile.
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
food products
fuel
vehicles
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Mobile and San Antonio, 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.
$1,763-$2,173 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.
$2,173-$2,747 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.
$2,337-$2,993 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,583-$3,485 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Mobile to San Antonio lane (820 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,763-$2,173 | 15 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $651-$1,097 | 17-19 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,665-$3,690 | 10 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,107-$1,517 | 18-20 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Mobile and San Antonio that drive volume on this lane.
Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Austal USA
AM/NS Calvert Steel
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Mobile to San Antonio
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.
San Antonio Seasonal Advisory
Military freight follows federal fiscal year cycles with a September surge. Toyota production runs year-round with July and December shutdowns. H-E-B distribution intensifies ahead of holidays and during severe weather events when Texans stock up.
Overnight Transit
This 820-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
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 San Antonio Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Mobile to San Antonio?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Mobile, AL to San Antonio, TX currently range from $1,763-$2,173 for a standard dry van load over the 820-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $651-$1,097 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 San Antonio?
Standard FTL transit from Mobile to San Antonio is approximately 15 hrs by truck over 820 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 San Antonio freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Mobile commonly ships lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. San Antonio commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, military supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from San Antonio to Mobile?
Yes. San Antonio is a strong outbound market shipping military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods. Carriers returning from San Antonio to Mobile can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Mobile-to-San Antonio lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Mobile to San Antonio?
The Mobile-to-San Antonio corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Mobile's top outbound commodities include lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, coal exports, paper products, seafood. San Antonio's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, food products, fuel, vehicles. Industries driving this lane include shipbuilding and petrochemicals from Mobile and military & defense and healthcare in San Antonio.
Get Exact Rates for Mobile to San Antonio
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Mobile to San Antonio lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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