Freight Shipping from Norfolk to San Antonio
Ship freight from Norfolk, VA to San Antonio, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,855-$4,751, LTL from $1,186-$1,924. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,793 mi
Drive Time
33 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,855-$4,751
LTL Rate Est.
$1,186-$1,924
Norfolk to San Antonio 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.
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 Norfolk-to-San Antonio corridor spans 1,793 miles via I-64, I-264, I-35, I-10. This lane connects military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics freight from the Norfolk 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 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 San Antonio Receives
San Antonio's military & defense, healthcare, cybersecurity sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Norfolk.
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
food products
fuel
vehicles
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Norfolk 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.
$3,855-$4,751 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.
$5,110-$6,544 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.
$1,186-$1,924 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Norfolk to San Antonio lane (1,793 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,855-$4,751 | 33 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,186-$1,924 | 35-37 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,827-$8,069 | 22 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,421-$3,317 | 36-38 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Norfolk and San Antonio that drive volume on this lane.
Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base)
Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding)
Virginia Port Authority
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Norfolk to San Antonio
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.
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.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,793 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 33 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 San Antonio Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Norfolk to San Antonio?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Norfolk, VA to San Antonio, TX currently range from $3,855-$4,751 for a standard dry van load over the 1,793-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,186-$1,924 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 San Antonio?
Standard FTL transit from Norfolk to San Antonio is approximately 33 hrs by truck over 1,793 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 San Antonio freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Norfolk commonly ships containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain, 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 Norfolk?
Yes. San Antonio is a strong outbound market shipping military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods. Carriers returning from San Antonio to Norfolk can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Norfolk-to-San Antonio lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Norfolk to San Antonio?
The Norfolk-to-San Antonio corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Norfolk's top outbound commodities include containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain, tobacco, military equipment, forest products. San Antonio's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, food products, fuel, vehicles. Industries driving this lane include military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics from Norfolk and military & defense and healthcare in San Antonio.
Get Exact Rates for Norfolk to San Antonio
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Norfolk to San Antonio lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts