Freight Shipping from San Antonio to Tacoma
Ship freight from San Antonio, TX to Tacoma, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,964-$6,119, LTL from $1,470-$2,363. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
2,309 mi
Drive Time
42 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,964-$6,119
LTL Rate Est.
$1,470-$2,363
San Antonio to Tacoma 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.
Tacoma is the southern anchor of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, handling the bulk of container vessel calls for the Pacific Northwest. The Port of Tacoma's deep-water terminals process millions of TEUs annually, with direct rail connections to BNSF's transcontinental network. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the largest military installation on the West Coast, generates substantial defense logistics freight including vehicle movements, equipment deployments, and supply chain operations.
The San Antonio-to-Tacoma corridor spans 2,309 miles via I-35, I-10, I-5, SR-16. This lane connects military & defense and healthcare freight from the San Antonio market to port logistics and military (joint base lewis-mcchord) demand in Tacoma. 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 Tacoma Receives
Tacoma's port logistics, military (joint base lewis-mcchord), manufacturing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like San Antonio.
containerized imports (Asia)
vehicles
petroleum products
construction materials
military supplies
consumer goods
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between San Antonio and Tacoma, 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.
$4,964-$6,119 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.
$6,581-$8,428 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$7,273-$9,813 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.
$1,470-$2,363 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the San Antonio to Tacoma lane (2,309 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,964-$6,119 | 42 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,470-$2,363 | 44-46 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $7,504-$10,391 | 28 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $3,117-$4,272 | 45-47 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both San Antonio and Tacoma that drive volume on this lane.
Joint Base San Antonio (Lackland/Randolph/Fort Sam)
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas
H-E-B (HQ)
Port of Tacoma / NW Seaport Alliance
Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Simpson Tacoma Kraft
Shipping Tips for San Antonio to Tacoma
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.
Tacoma Seasonal Advisory
Container import volumes peak mid-summer through early fall for holiday retail inventory. Military freight follows deployment and exercise schedules at JBLM. Grain export season (August-November) from eastern Washington drives heavy truck-to-ship transfers at the port.
Consider Team Drivers
At 2,309 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 42 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 Tacoma Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from San Antonio to Tacoma?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from San Antonio, TX to Tacoma, WA currently range from $4,964-$6,119 for a standard dry van load over the 2,309-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,470-$2,363 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 Tacoma?
Standard FTL transit from San Antonio to Tacoma is approximately 42 hrs by truck over 2,309 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 Tacoma 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. Tacoma commonly receives containerized imports (Asia), vehicles, petroleum products. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tacoma to San Antonio?
Yes. Tacoma is a strong outbound market shipping containerized exports (grain, hay), lumber & wood products, military equipment. Carriers returning from Tacoma to San Antonio can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the San Antonio-to-Tacoma lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from San Antonio to Tacoma?
The San Antonio-to-Tacoma 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. Tacoma's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia), vehicles, petroleum products, construction materials, military supplies, consumer goods. Industries driving this lane include military & defense and healthcare from San Antonio and port logistics and military (Joint Base Lewis-McChord) in Tacoma.
Get Exact Rates for San Antonio to Tacoma
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the San Antonio to Tacoma lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts