Freight Shipping from Ontario to San Antonio
Ship freight from Ontario, CA to San Antonio, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,266-$4,025, LTL from $1,035-$1,691. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,519 mi
Drive Time
28 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,266-$4,025
LTL Rate Est.
$1,035-$1,691
Ontario to San Antonio Freight Corridor
Ontario is the logistics epicenter of the Inland Empire, anchored by Ontario International Airport's massive air cargo operations and surrounded by over 100 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space. The city's position at the I-10/I-15 junction makes it the primary distribution gateway for goods flowing from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach into the national supply chain. Amazon, UPS, and FedEx all maintain major sort and fulfillment facilities here, and the region's lower costs compared to coastal LA have driven explosive warehouse development.
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 Ontario-to-San Antonio corridor spans 1,519 miles via I-10. This lane connects logistics & warehousing and air cargo (ont airport) freight from the Ontario 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 Ontario
Ontario's economy is driven by logistics & warehousing, air cargo (ont airport), e-commerce fulfillment, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
e-commerce shipments
consumer goods
processed foods
building materials
electronics
apparel
What San Antonio Receives
San Antonio's military & defense, healthcare, cybersecurity sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Ontario.
consumer goods
building materials
military supplies
food products
fuel
vehicles
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Ontario 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.
$3,266-$4,025 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.
$4,329-$5,544 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.
$1,035-$1,691 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Ontario to San Antonio lane (1,519 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,266-$4,025 | 28 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,035-$1,691 | 30-32 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,937-$6,836 | 18 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,051-$2,810 | 31-33 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Ontario and San Antonio that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon ONT Fulfillment Network
UPS Ontario Hub
FedEx Ground Ontario
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Ontario to San Antonio
Ontario Seasonal Advisory
E-commerce fulfillment peaks dramatically during Q4 holidays. Air cargo at ONT surges during holiday season and Valentine's Day (flower imports). Construction freight is year-round due to the Inland Empire's rapid residential development.
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 1,519 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 28 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.
Ontario to San Antonio Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Ontario to San Antonio?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Ontario, CA to San Antonio, TX currently range from $3,266-$4,025 for a standard dry van load over the 1,519-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,035-$1,691 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 Ontario to San Antonio?
Standard FTL transit from Ontario to San Antonio is approximately 28 hrs by truck over 1,519 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 Ontario to San Antonio freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Ontario commonly ships e-commerce shipments, consumer goods, processed foods, 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 Ontario?
Yes. San Antonio is a strong outbound market shipping military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods. Carriers returning from San Antonio to Ontario can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Ontario-to-San Antonio lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Ontario to San Antonio?
The Ontario-to-San Antonio corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Ontario's top outbound commodities include e-commerce shipments, consumer goods, processed foods, building materials, electronics, apparel. San Antonio's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, military supplies, food products, fuel, vehicles. Industries driving this lane include logistics & warehousing and air cargo (ONT airport) from Ontario and military & defense and healthcare in San Antonio.
Get Exact Rates for Ontario to San Antonio
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Ontario to San Antonio lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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