Freight Shipping from San Diego to Kent
Ship freight from San Diego, CA to Kent, WA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,928-$3,609, LTL from $949-$1,558. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,362 mi
Drive Time
25 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,928-$3,609
LTL Rate Est.
$949-$1,558
San Diego to Kent Freight Corridor
San Diego's freight profile is defined by two forces: the massive military presence (Naval Base San Diego is the largest on the West Coast) and the Otay Mesa border crossing into Tijuana. The Otay Mesa industrial zone processes billions in cross-border maquiladora freight daily, with electronics and medical devices flowing north while raw materials and components move south. Biotech companies along the Torrey Pines corridor generate premium temperature-controlled shipments.
Kent sits in the heart of the Green River Valley, home to the largest warehouse and distribution concentration in the Pacific Northwest. Over 60 million square feet of industrial space lines the valley floor, housing Amazon fulfillment centers, Blue Origin's rocket manufacturing campus, and REI's national headquarters. The valley's proximity to both the Port of Tacoma and Sea-Tac Airport makes it the natural transload point for imported goods entering the Pacific Northwest.
The San Diego-to-Kent corridor spans 1,362 miles via I-5. This lane connects defense & military and biotechnology freight from the San Diego market to warehousing & distribution and aerospace manufacturing demand in Kent. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from San Diego
San Diego's economy is driven by defense & military, biotechnology, telecommunications, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
defense electronics
biotech products
telecommunications equipment
craft beer
avocados & produce
medical devices
What Kent Receives
Kent's warehousing & distribution, aerospace manufacturing, food processing sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like San Diego.
containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma)
raw materials
packaging supplies
food ingredients
consumer goods
fuel products
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between San Diego and Kent, 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.
$2,928-$3,609 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.
$3,609-$4,563 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.
$949-$1,558 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the San Diego to Kent lane (1,362 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,928-$3,609 | 25 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $949-$1,558 | 27-29 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,427-$6,129 | 17 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,839-$2,520 | 28-30 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both San Diego and Kent that drive volume on this lane.
General Atomics
Qualcomm
Northrop Grumman
Amazon Kent Fulfillment (BFI4/BFI3)
Blue Origin (HQ)
REI Co-op (HQ)
Shipping Tips for San Diego to Kent
San Diego Seasonal Advisory
Avocado season (spring through summer) drives reefer demand from Fallbrook and surrounding groves. Military fiscal year-end (September) triggers a rush of defense shipments. Cross-border freight dips during Mexican holidays.
Kent Seasonal Advisory
Amazon fulfillment drives massive Q4 holiday surges (October-December). Blue Origin rocket component shipments are irregular but high-value. REI seasonal inventory peaks align with outdoor recreation seasons — spring gear (February-March) and winter gear (August-September).
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,362 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 25 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 Diego to Kent Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from San Diego to Kent?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from San Diego, CA to Kent, WA currently range from $2,928-$3,609 for a standard dry van load over the 1,362-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $949-$1,558 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 Diego to Kent?
Standard FTL transit from San Diego to Kent is approximately 25 hrs by truck over 1,362 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 Diego to Kent freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. San Diego commonly ships defense electronics, biotech products, telecommunications equipment, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Kent commonly receives containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma), raw materials, packaging supplies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Kent to San Diego?
Yes. Kent is a strong outbound market shipping e-commerce shipments, aerospace components, processed foods. Carriers returning from Kent to San Diego can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the San Diego-to-Kent lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from San Diego to Kent?
The San Diego-to-Kent corridor handles a diverse freight mix. San Diego's top outbound commodities include defense electronics, biotech products, telecommunications equipment, craft beer, avocados & produce, medical devices. Kent's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (via Port of Tacoma), raw materials, packaging supplies, food ingredients, consumer goods, fuel products. Industries driving this lane include defense & military and biotechnology from San Diego and warehousing & distribution and aerospace manufacturing in Kent.
Get Exact Rates for San Diego to Kent
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the San Diego to Kent lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts