Freight Shipping from Mobile to Tulsa
Ship freight from Mobile, AL to Tulsa, OK with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,658-$2,043, LTL from $624-$1,055. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
771 mi
Drive Time
14 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,658-$2,043
LTL Rate Est.
$624-$1,055
Mobile to Tulsa 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.
Tulsa is the aerospace maintenance capital of the central U.S., with American Airlines operating its largest MRO facility here — capable of servicing widebody aircraft. The Port of Catoosa, America's most inland river port, connects Tulsa to the Gulf of Mexico via the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, enabling barge-to-truck transloading for heavy industrial freight. The city's legacy oil refining infrastructure creates steady tanker and hazmat volumes.
The Mobile-to-Tulsa corridor spans 771 miles via I-10, I-65, I-44, US-75. This lane connects shipbuilding and petrochemicals freight from the Mobile market to aerospace manufacturing and energy demand in Tulsa. 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 Tulsa Receives
Tulsa's aerospace manufacturing, energy, steel fabrication sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Mobile.
crude oil
raw steel
aircraft sub-assemblies
chemicals
electronic components
packaging materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Mobile and Tulsa, 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.
$1,658-$2,043 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.
$2,043-$2,583 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.
$2,197-$2,814 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,429-$3,277 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Mobile to Tulsa lane (771 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,658-$2,043 | 14 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $624-$1,055 | 16-18 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,506-$3,470 | 9 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,041-$1,426 | 17-19 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Mobile and Tulsa that drive volume on this lane.
Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Austal USA
AM/NS Calvert Steel
American Airlines Maintenance Base
NORDAM Group
Holly Frontier Refining
Shipping Tips for Mobile to Tulsa
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.
Tulsa Seasonal Advisory
Aerospace MRO work peaks during winter when airlines pull aircraft from service for heavy maintenance checks. Refinery output is steady but turnaround seasons (spring and fall) temporarily reduce outbound tanker volumes while increasing inbound equipment freight.
Overnight Transit
This 771-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 Tulsa Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Mobile to Tulsa?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Mobile, AL to Tulsa, OK currently range from $1,658-$2,043 for a standard dry van load over the 771-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $624-$1,055 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 Tulsa?
Standard FTL transit from Mobile to Tulsa is approximately 14 hrs by truck over 771 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 Tulsa freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Mobile commonly ships lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Tulsa commonly receives crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tulsa to Mobile?
Yes. Tulsa is a strong outbound market shipping aircraft components, refined fuels, steel pipe & fittings. Carriers returning from Tulsa to Mobile can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Mobile-to-Tulsa lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Mobile to Tulsa?
The Mobile-to-Tulsa corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Mobile's top outbound commodities include lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies, coal exports, paper products, seafood. Tulsa's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies, chemicals, electronic components, packaging materials. Industries driving this lane include shipbuilding and petrochemicals from Mobile and aerospace manufacturing and energy in Tulsa.
Get Exact Rates for Mobile to Tulsa
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Mobile to Tulsa lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts