Freight Shipping from Norfolk to Fort Worth
Ship freight from Norfolk, VA to Fort Worth, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,423-$4,219, LTL from $1,076-$1,753. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,592 mi
Drive Time
29 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,423-$4,219
LTL Rate Est.
$1,076-$1,753
Norfolk to Fort Worth Freight Corridor
Norfolk is the East Coast's deepest natural harbor and home to the Port of Virginia — the third-largest container port in the U.S. and the only East Coast port with 55-foot channels capable of handling fully loaded ultra-large container vessels at any tide. Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base, generates enormous military logistics volume. Huntington Ingalls' Newport News Shipyard builds America's aircraft carriers and submarines, creating specialized oversize freight that moves nowhere else in the country.
Fort Worth is the aerospace and rail logistics capital of Texas. Lockheed Martin's mile-long factory produces every F-35 Lightning II fighter jet sold worldwide, generating classified, oversize, and high-security freight that requires specialized carriers. BNSF Railway's headquarters and Alliance Texas — the nation's largest inland port — create one of the most sophisticated intermodal logistics ecosystems in North America. Bell Textron builds V-22 Ospreys and commercial helicopters, adding to the aerospace freight base.
The Norfolk-to-Fort Worth corridor spans 1,592 miles via I-64, I-264, I-35W, I-30. This lane connects military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics freight from the Norfolk market to aerospace & defense and rail logistics demand in Fort Worth. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Norfolk
Norfolk's economy is driven by military & naval operations, port & maritime logistics, shipbuilding, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
containerized exports
coal
soybeans & grain
tobacco
military equipment
forest products
What Fort Worth Receives
Fort Worth's aerospace & defense, rail logistics, ranching & agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Norfolk.
aerospace sub-assemblies
raw metals
containerized imports (via Alliance)
consumer goods
building materials
fuel
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Norfolk and Fort Worth, 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.
$3,423-$4,219 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.
$4,537-$5,811 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.
$1,076-$1,753 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Norfolk to Fort Worth lane (1,592 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,423-$4,219 | 29 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,076-$1,753 | 31-33 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,174-$7,164 | 19 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,149-$2,945 | 32-34 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Norfolk and Fort Worth that drive volume on this lane.
Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base)
Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding)
Virginia Port Authority
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (F-35)
Bell Textron (HQ)
BNSF Railway (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Norfolk to Fort Worth
Norfolk Seasonal Advisory
Import container volumes peak August through November during retail peak season. Coal exports fluctuate with global energy demand and Asian steel production. Military freight is steady year-round but surges during deployment cycles and fleet maintenance periods.
Fort Worth Seasonal Advisory
Defense freight follows federal fiscal year-end spending (September rush). BNSF intermodal volumes peak during Q4 import season. Livestock and agricultural freight from the Fort Worth Stockyards region is strongest March through October.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,592 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 29 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.
Norfolk to Fort Worth Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Norfolk to Fort Worth?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Norfolk, VA to Fort Worth, TX currently range from $3,423-$4,219 for a standard dry van load over the 1,592-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,076-$1,753 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 Norfolk to Fort Worth?
Standard FTL transit from Norfolk to Fort Worth is approximately 29 hrs by truck over 1,592 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 Norfolk to Fort Worth freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Norfolk commonly ships containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Fort Worth commonly receives aerospace sub-assemblies, raw metals, containerized imports (via Alliance). Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Fort Worth to Norfolk?
Yes. Fort Worth is a strong outbound market shipping F-35 fighter jet components, Bell helicopters, grain & cattle. Carriers returning from Fort Worth to Norfolk can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Norfolk-to-Fort Worth lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Norfolk to Fort Worth?
The Norfolk-to-Fort Worth corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Norfolk's top outbound commodities include containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain, tobacco, military equipment, forest products. Fort Worth's primary inbound freight includes aerospace sub-assemblies, raw metals, containerized imports (via Alliance), consumer goods, building materials, fuel. Industries driving this lane include military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics from Norfolk and aerospace & defense and rail logistics in Fort Worth.
Get Exact Rates for Norfolk to Fort Worth
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Norfolk to Fort Worth lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts