Freight Shipping from Richmond to Norfolk
Ship freight from Richmond, VA to Norfolk, VA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $221-$273, LTL from $257-$488. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
103 mi
Drive Time
2 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$221-$273
LTL Rate Est.
$257-$488
Richmond to Norfolk Freight Corridor
Richmond is the I-95 corridor's mid-Atlantic distribution sweet spot — equidistant between the Northeast megalopolis and the Southeast's growth markets. Altria Group's massive headquarters and manufacturing complex makes Richmond one of America's top tobacco freight origins, while Performance Food Group's headquarters drives broadline foodservice distribution across the eastern seaboard. The I-95/I-64 junction positions Richmond as a natural redistribution point where north-south and east-west freight flows intersect.
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.
The Richmond-to-Norfolk corridor spans 103 miles via I-64. This lane connects tobacco & consumer products and financial services freight from the Richmond market to military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics demand in Norfolk. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Richmond
Richmond's economy is driven by tobacco & consumer products, financial services, government (state capital), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
cigarettes & tobacco products (Altria)
pharmaceuticals
processed foods
chemicals
paper products
consumer packaged goods
What Norfolk Receives
Norfolk's military & naval operations, port & maritime logistics, shipbuilding sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Richmond.
containerized imports (Asia/Europe)
vehicles (auto import)
crude oil
machinery
consumer goods
building materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Richmond and Norfolk, 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.
$221-$273 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.
$273-$345 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.
$294-$376 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$324-$438 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Richmond to Norfolk lane (103 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $221-$273 | 2 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $257-$488 | 4-6 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $335-$464 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Richmond and Norfolk that drive volume on this lane.
Altria Group (HQ)
CarMax (HQ)
Performance Food Group (HQ)
Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base)
Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding)
Virginia Port Authority
Shipping Tips for Richmond to Norfolk
Richmond Seasonal Advisory
Tobacco freight is steady year-round with slight upticks in Q4 for holiday carton sales. Performance Food Group distribution peaks during summer restaurant season and Q4 holiday catering. State government freight follows the legislative session calendar (January-March).
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 103 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.
Richmond to Norfolk Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Richmond to Norfolk?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Richmond, VA to Norfolk, VA currently range from $221-$273 for a standard dry van load over the 103-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $257-$488 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 Richmond to Norfolk?
Standard FTL transit from Richmond to Norfolk is approximately 2 hrs by truck over 103 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 Richmond to Norfolk freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Richmond commonly ships cigarettes & tobacco products (Altria), pharmaceuticals, processed foods, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Norfolk commonly receives containerized imports (Asia/Europe), vehicles (auto import), crude oil. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Norfolk to Richmond?
Yes. Norfolk is a strong outbound market shipping containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain. Carriers returning from Norfolk to Richmond can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Richmond-to-Norfolk lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Richmond to Norfolk?
The Richmond-to-Norfolk corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Richmond's top outbound commodities include cigarettes & tobacco products (Altria), pharmaceuticals, processed foods, chemicals, paper products, consumer packaged goods. Norfolk's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia/Europe), vehicles (auto import), crude oil, machinery, consumer goods, building materials. Industries driving this lane include tobacco & consumer products and financial services from Richmond and military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics in Norfolk.
Get Exact Rates for Richmond to Norfolk
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Richmond to Norfolk lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts