Freight Shipping from San Antonio to Mobile
Ship freight from San Antonio, TX to Mobile, AL with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,763-$2,173, LTL from $651-$1,097. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
820 mi
Drive Time
15 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,763-$2,173
LTL Rate Est.
$651-$1,097
San Antonio to Mobile 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.
Mobile is the Gulf Coast's overlooked freight powerhouse. The Port of Mobile handles 60+ million tons annually and the Airbus A320 final assembly line creates a unique mix of containerized imports, oversize aerospace cargo, and bulk commodities. The AM/NS Calvert steel mill (a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel) is one of the most advanced in North America, generating heavy flatbed volume on I-65 northbound.
The San Antonio-to-Mobile corridor spans 820 miles via I-10. This lane connects military & defense and healthcare freight from the San Antonio market to shipbuilding and petrochemicals demand in Mobile. 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 Mobile Receives
Mobile's shipbuilding, petrochemicals, aerospace assembly sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like San Antonio.
steel plate & beams
aircraft components
crude oil
containerized imports
industrial machinery
raw chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between San Antonio and Mobile, 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.
$1,763-$2,173 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.
$2,337-$2,993 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,583-$3,485 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.
$651-$1,097 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the San Antonio to Mobile lane (820 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,763-$2,173 | 15 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $651-$1,097 | 17-19 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,665-$3,690 | 10 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,107-$1,517 | 18-20 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both San Antonio and Mobile that drive volume on this lane.
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility
Austal USA
AM/NS Calvert Steel
Shipping Tips for San Antonio to Mobile
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.
Mobile Seasonal Advisory
Hurricane season (June-November) can shut down port operations for days, creating massive post-storm freight surges. Shrimp season drives reefer demand from May through October.
Overnight Transit
This 820-mile route typically requires one overnight stop for a solo driver. Schedule pickup before noon for next-day delivery in most cases.
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 Mobile Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from San Antonio to Mobile?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from San Antonio, TX to Mobile, AL currently range from $1,763-$2,173 for a standard dry van load over the 820-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $651-$1,097 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 Mobile?
Standard FTL transit from San Antonio to Mobile is approximately 15 hrs by truck over 820 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 Mobile 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. Mobile commonly receives steel plate & beams, aircraft components, crude oil. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Mobile to San Antonio?
Yes. Mobile is a strong outbound market shipping lumber & timber, petrochemicals, aircraft assemblies. Carriers returning from Mobile to San Antonio can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the San Antonio-to-Mobile lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from San Antonio to Mobile?
The San Antonio-to-Mobile 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. Mobile's primary inbound freight includes steel plate & beams, aircraft components, crude oil, containerized imports, industrial machinery, raw chemicals. Industries driving this lane include military & defense and healthcare from San Antonio and shipbuilding and petrochemicals in Mobile.
Get Exact Rates for San Antonio to Mobile
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the San Antonio to Mobile lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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