Freight Shipping from Raleigh to Fort Worth
Ship freight from Raleigh, NC to Fort Worth, TX with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,036-$3,742, LTL from $977-$1,600. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,412 mi
Drive Time
26 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,036-$3,742
LTL Rate Est.
$977-$1,600
Raleigh to Fort Worth Freight Corridor
Raleigh-Durham's Research Triangle Park (RTP) is the largest research park in the United States, housing 300+ companies that generate a unique freight mix of pharmaceutical shipments, laboratory equipment, and high-tech components. The Triangle's rapid population growth (50%+ in 20 years) has made it one of the fastest-growing freight markets on the East Coast, with new distribution center development struggling to keep pace.
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 Raleigh-to-Fort Worth corridor spans 1,412 miles via I-40, I-540, I-35W, I-30. This lane connects technology & software and biotech & pharmaceuticals freight from the Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Raleigh's economy is driven by technology & software, biotech & pharmaceuticals, higher education, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
pharmaceuticals
medical devices
tech hardware
tobacco
sweet potatoes
biotech products
What Fort Worth Receives
Fort Worth's aerospace & defense, rail logistics, ranching & agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Raleigh.
aerospace sub-assemblies
raw metals
containerized imports (via Alliance)
consumer goods
building materials
fuel
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Raleigh 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.
$3,036-$3,742 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.
$3,742-$4,730 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.
$4,024-$5,154 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.
$977-$1,600 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Raleigh to Fort Worth lane (1,412 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,036-$3,742 | 26 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $977-$1,600 | 28-30 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,589-$6,354 | 17 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,906-$2,612 | 29-31 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Raleigh and Fort Worth that drive volume on this lane.
Cisco Systems (RTP)
Biogen (RTP)
Fidelity Investments
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (F-35)
Bell Textron (HQ)
BNSF Railway (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Raleigh to Fort Worth
Raleigh Seasonal Advisory
Sweet potato harvest (September-November) from the eastern NC farms creates reefer demand on I-95 and I-40. University move-in season at Duke, UNC, and NC State (August) generates household goods freight surges across the Triangle.
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 1,412 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 26 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.
Raleigh to Fort Worth Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Raleigh to Fort Worth?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Raleigh, NC to Fort Worth, TX currently range from $3,036-$3,742 for a standard dry van load over the 1,412-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $977-$1,600 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 Raleigh to Fort Worth?
Standard FTL transit from Raleigh to Fort Worth is approximately 26 hrs by truck over 1,412 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 Raleigh to Fort Worth freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Raleigh commonly ships pharmaceuticals, medical devices, tech hardware, 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 Raleigh?
Yes. Fort Worth is a strong outbound market shipping F-35 fighter jet components, Bell helicopters, grain & cattle. Carriers returning from Fort Worth to Raleigh can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Raleigh-to-Fort Worth lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Raleigh to Fort Worth?
The Raleigh-to-Fort Worth corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Raleigh's top outbound commodities include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, tech hardware, tobacco, sweet potatoes, biotech 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 technology & software and biotech & pharmaceuticals from Raleigh and aerospace & defense and rail logistics in Fort Worth.
Get Exact Rates for Raleigh to Fort Worth
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Raleigh to Fort Worth lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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