Freight Shipping from Portland to Seattle
Ship freight from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $406-$501, LTL from $304-$561. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
189 mi
Drive Time
3 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$406-$501
LTL Rate Est.
$304-$561
Portland to Seattle Freight Corridor
Portland is the Pacific Northwest's primary freight gateway, where the Columbia River meets I-5 to create a powerful multimodal corridor. Intel's massive Hillsboro campus — the company's largest manufacturing site globally — generates a constant flow of high-value semiconductor shipments requiring climate-controlled and white-glove handling. Nike and Columbia Sportswear headquarters drive import-heavy container volumes through the Port of Portland's marine terminals.
Seattle is the Pacific Northwest's freight powerhouse, combining one of the nation's largest container ports with the headquarters of Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Costco. The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle + Tacoma) is the fourth-largest container gateway in North America, funneling Asian imports into the U.S. interior via BNSF and Union Pacific rail. Amazon's explosive last-mile network has transformed the region's freight landscape, with dozens of delivery stations and fulfillment centers scattered across the Puget Sound.
The Portland-to-Seattle corridor spans 189 miles via I-5. This lane connects semiconductors & electronics and sportswear & apparel freight from the Portland market to technology and aerospace (boeing) demand in Seattle. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Portland
Portland's economy is driven by semiconductors & electronics, sportswear & apparel, forestry & wood products, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
semiconductors (Intel)
athletic footwear & apparel
lumber & timber
craft beer & wine
processed foods
electronic equipment
What Seattle Receives
Seattle's technology, aerospace (boeing), e-commerce (amazon) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Portland.
containerized imports (Asia)
consumer electronics
automotive vehicles
construction materials
industrial machinery
food & beverage
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Portland and Seattle, 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.
$406-$501 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.
$501-$633 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.
$539-$690 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.
$304-$561 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Portland to Seattle lane (189 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $406-$501 | 3 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $304-$561 | 5-7 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $614-$851 | 2 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Portland and Seattle that drive volume on this lane.
Intel (Hillsboro Campus)
Nike (HQ, Beaverton)
Columbia Sportswear (HQ)
Amazon (HQ)
Boeing Everett/Renton
Microsoft (Redmond)
Shipping Tips for Portland to Seattle
Portland Seasonal Advisory
Lumber shipments peak April through October during construction season. Holiday retail imports surge August through November. Intel production runs year-round, though new product launches can spike shipment volumes unpredictably.
Seattle Seasonal Advisory
Port volumes peak July-October as retailers stock for holidays. Apple and cherry harvest (July-September) from eastern Washington creates heavy reefer demand. Boeing production schedules drive oversized and flatbed freight year-round. Amazon Q4 surge (October-December) is the single largest seasonal freight event in the region.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 189 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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.
Portland to Seattle Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Portland to Seattle?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA currently range from $406-$501 for a standard dry van load over the 189-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $304-$561 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 Portland to Seattle?
Standard FTL transit from Portland to Seattle is approximately 3 hrs by truck over 189 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%.
What equipment do I need for Portland to Seattle freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Portland commonly ships semiconductors (Intel), athletic footwear & apparel, lumber & timber, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Seattle commonly receives containerized imports (Asia), consumer electronics, automotive vehicles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Seattle to Portland?
Yes. Seattle is a strong outbound market shipping aircraft & aerospace parts, software/cloud hardware, seafood (Alaska processing). Carriers returning from Seattle to Portland can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Portland-to-Seattle lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Portland to Seattle?
The Portland-to-Seattle corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Portland's top outbound commodities include semiconductors (Intel), athletic footwear & apparel, lumber & timber, craft beer & wine, processed foods, electronic equipment. Seattle's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia), consumer electronics, automotive vehicles, construction materials, industrial machinery, food & beverage. Industries driving this lane include semiconductors & electronics and sportswear & apparel from Portland and technology and aerospace (Boeing) in Seattle.
Get Exact Rates for Portland to Seattle
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Portland to Seattle lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts