Freight Shipping from San Diego to Long Beach
Ship freight from San Diego, CA to Long Beach, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $262-$323, LTL from $267-$504. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
122 mi
Drive Time
2 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$262-$323
LTL Rate Est.
$267-$504
San Diego to Long Beach 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.
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 Diego-to-Long Beach corridor spans 122 miles via I-5, I-8, I-710, I-405. This lane connects defense & military and biotechnology freight from the San Diego 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 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 Long Beach Receives
Long Beach's port operations, oil & petrochemicals, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like San Diego.
containerized consumer goods
electronics
furniture
auto parts
textiles
toys & housewares
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between San Diego 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.
$262-$323 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.
$323-$409 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.
$267-$504 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the San Diego to Long Beach lane (122 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $262-$323 | 2 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $267-$504 | 4-6 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $397-$549 | 1 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both San Diego and Long Beach that drive volume on this lane.
General Atomics
Qualcomm
Northrop Grumman
Virgin Orbit
Boeing C-17 (closed 2015, still parts)
Epson America
Shipping Tips for San Diego to Long Beach
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.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 122 miles, a single driver can complete this route within a standard driving window. Expedited same-day service is available for time-critical shipments at a premium.
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 Long Beach Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from San Diego to Long Beach?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from San Diego, CA to Long Beach, CA currently range from $262-$323 for a standard dry van load over the 122-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $267-$504 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 Long Beach?
Standard FTL transit from San Diego to Long Beach is approximately 2 hrs by truck over 122 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%.
What equipment do I need for San Diego to Long Beach 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. 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 Diego?
Yes. Long Beach is a strong outbound market shipping transloaded imports, petroleum products, recycled materials. Carriers returning from Long Beach to San Diego can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the San Diego-to-Long Beach lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from San Diego to Long Beach?
The San Diego-to-Long Beach 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. Long Beach's primary inbound freight includes containerized consumer goods, electronics, furniture, auto parts, textiles, toys & housewares. Industries driving this lane include defense & military and biotechnology from San Diego and port operations and oil & petrochemicals in Long Beach.
Get Exact Rates for San Diego to Long Beach
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