Freight Shipping from San Antonio to Long Beach
Ship freight from San Antonio, TX to Long Beach, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,341-$4,118, LTL from $1,055-$1,721. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,554 mi
Drive Time
28 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,341-$4,118
LTL Rate Est.
$1,055-$1,721
San Antonio to Long Beach Freight Corridor
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 Port of Long Beach, paired with the adjacent Port of Los Angeles, forms the San Pedro Bay complex that handles nearly half of all US maritime imports. Long Beach itself has invested billions in on-dock rail infrastructure, allowing containers to move directly from ship to train without a truck dray, though the majority still leave by truck on the notoriously congested I-710. The city's zero-emission truck mandates are reshaping drayage economics as carriers invest in electric and hydrogen-powered equipment.
The San Antonio-to-Long Beach corridor spans 1,554 miles via I-35, I-10, I-710, I-405. This lane connects military & defense and healthcare freight from the San Antonio market to port operations and oil & petrochemicals demand in Long Beach. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from San Antonio
San Antonio's economy is driven by military & defense, healthcare, cybersecurity, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
military equipment
processed foods
manufactured goods
building materials
medical supplies
automotive parts
What Long Beach Receives
Long Beach's port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like San Antonio.
containerized consumer goods
electronics
furniture
auto parts
textiles
toys & housewares
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between San Antonio and Long Beach, 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.
$3,341-$4,118 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.
$4,429-$5,672 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.
$1,055-$1,721 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the San Antonio to Long Beach lane (1,554 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,341-$4,118 | 28 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,055-$1,721 | 30-32 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,051-$6,993 | 19 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,098-$2,875 | 31-33 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both San Antonio and Long Beach that drive volume on this lane.
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Shipping Tips for San Antonio to Long Beach
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.
Long Beach Seasonal Advisory
Peak import season runs August through November for holiday retail. The "blank sailing" period during Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a 3-4 week dip before the spring restocking wave.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,554 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.
San Antonio to Long Beach Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from San Antonio to Long Beach?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from San Antonio, TX to Long Beach, CA currently range from $3,341-$4,118 for a standard dry van load over the 1,554-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,055-$1,721 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 San Antonio to Long Beach?
Standard FTL transit from San Antonio to Long Beach is approximately 28 hrs by truck over 1,554 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 San Antonio to Long Beach freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. San Antonio commonly ships military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Long Beach commonly receives containerized consumer goods, electronics, furniture. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Long Beach to San Antonio?
Yes. Long Beach is a strong outbound market shipping transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials. Carriers returning from Long Beach to San Antonio can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the San Antonio-to-Long Beach lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from San Antonio to Long Beach?
The San Antonio-to-Long Beach corridor handles a diverse freight mix. San Antonio's top outbound commodities include military equipment, processed foods, manufactured goods, building materials, medical supplies, automotive parts. Long Beach's primary inbound freight includes containerized consumer goods, electronics, furniture, auto parts, textiles, toys & housewares. Industries driving this lane include military & defense and healthcare from San Antonio and port operations and oil & petrochemicals in Long Beach.
Get Exact Rates for San Antonio to Long Beach
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the San Antonio to Long Beach lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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