Freight Shipping from San Antonio to Los Angeles
Ship freight from San Antonio, TX to Los Angeles, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $3,356-$4,137, LTL from $1,059-$1,727. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,561 mi
Drive Time
28 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$3,356-$4,137
LTL Rate Est.
$1,059-$1,727
San Antonio to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles basin is the undisputed freight capital of the Western Hemisphere. The San Pedro Bay port complex (LA + Long Beach) handles 40% of all US containerized imports, generating a tidal wave of drayage and long-haul freight that radiates outward on I-10, I-15, and I-5. The Inland Empire east of LA has become the largest warehouse market in the world, with over 600 million square feet of distribution space absorbing and redistributing Asian imports to every corner of the country.
The San Antonio-to-Los Angeles corridor spans 1,561 miles via I-10. This lane connects military & defense and healthcare freight from the San Antonio market to entertainment & media and international trade demand in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles Receives
Los Angeles's entertainment & media, international trade, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like San Antonio.
consumer electronics
furniture & housewares
automotive parts
textiles & fabrics
industrial machinery
toys & games
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between San Antonio and Los Angeles, 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.
$3,356-$4,137 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.
$4,449-$5,698 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.
$1,059-$1,727 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the San Antonio to Los Angeles lane (1,561 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $3,356-$4,137 | 28 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,059-$1,727 | 30-32 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $5,073-$7,025 | 19 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,107-$2,888 | 31-33 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both San Antonio and Los Angeles that drive volume on this lane.
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Shipping Tips for San Antonio to Los Angeles
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.
Los Angeles Seasonal Advisory
Import surge begins in August for holiday retail season, peaking in October-November. Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a brief lull followed by a restocking wave in March.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,561 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 Los Angeles Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from San Antonio to Los Angeles?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from San Antonio, TX to Los Angeles, CA currently range from $3,356-$4,137 for a standard dry van load over the 1,561-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,059-$1,727 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 Los Angeles?
Standard FTL transit from San Antonio to Los Angeles is approximately 28 hrs by truck over 1,561 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 Los Angeles 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. Los Angeles commonly receives consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Los Angeles to San Antonio?
Yes. Los Angeles is a strong outbound market shipping containerized imports (re-distribution), entertainment equipment, apparel & fashion. Carriers returning from Los Angeles to San Antonio can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the San Antonio-to-Los Angeles lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from San Antonio to Los Angeles?
The San Antonio-to-Los Angeles 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. Los Angeles's primary inbound freight includes consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts, textiles & fabrics, industrial machinery, toys & games. Industries driving this lane include military & defense and healthcare from San Antonio and entertainment & media and international trade in Los Angeles.
Get Exact Rates for San Antonio to Los Angeles
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the San Antonio to Los Angeles lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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