Freight Shipping from Seattle to Billings
Ship freight from Seattle, WA to Billings, MT with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,864-$2,298, LTL from $677-$1,137. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
867 mi
Drive Time
16 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,864-$2,298
LTL Rate Est.
$677-$1,137
Seattle to Billings Freight Corridor
Seattle is the Pacific Northwest's freight powerhouse, combining one of the nation's largest container ports with the headquarters of Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Costco. The Northwest Seaport Alliance (Seattle + Tacoma) is the fourth-largest container gateway in North America, funneling Asian imports into the U.S. interior via BNSF and Union Pacific rail. Amazon's explosive last-mile network has transformed the region's freight landscape, with dozens of delivery stations and fulfillment centers scattered across the Puget Sound.
Billings is Montana's largest city and the commercial hub of the northern Great Plains, serving as a distribution point for a vast rural territory stretching from the Dakotas to Idaho. Two petroleum refineries process Bakken crude oil, generating steady tanker freight. The surrounding agricultural economy produces wheat, sugar beets, and cattle that move by truck to processing plants and rail terminals.
The Seattle-to-Billings corridor spans 867 miles via I-90. This lane connects technology and aerospace (boeing) freight from the Seattle market to petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching demand in Billings. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Seattle
Seattle's economy is driven by technology, aerospace (boeing), e-commerce (amazon), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
aircraft & aerospace parts
software/cloud hardware
seafood (Alaska processing)
agricultural exports (wheat, apples)
forest products
e-commerce shipments
What Billings Receives
Billings's petroleum refining, agriculture & ranching, energy (oil & gas) sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Seattle.
crude oil
consumer goods
building materials
farm equipment
industrial supplies
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Seattle and Billings, 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.
$1,864-$2,298 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.
$2,298-$2,904 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.
$2,471-$3,165 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$2,731-$3,685 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Seattle to Billings lane (867 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,864-$2,298 | 16 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $677-$1,137 | 18-20 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,818-$3,902 | 11 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,170-$1,604 | 19-21 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Seattle and Billings that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (HQ)
Boeing Everett/Renton
Microsoft (Redmond)
CHS Refinery (Laurel)
ExxonMobil Billings Refinery
Western Sugar Cooperative
Shipping Tips for Seattle to Billings
Seattle Seasonal Advisory
Port volumes peak July-October as retailers stock for holidays. Apple and cherry harvest (July-September) from eastern Washington creates heavy reefer demand. Boeing production schedules drive oversized and flatbed freight year-round. Amazon Q4 surge (October-December) is the single largest seasonal freight event in the region.
Billings Seasonal Advisory
Grain harvest (August-October) creates intense demand for hopper trailers and flatbeds. Winter conditions on I-90 over the mountain passes can close roads for days, creating delivery reliability challenges from November through March.
Overnight Transit
This 867-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.
Seattle to Billings Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Seattle to Billings?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Seattle, WA to Billings, MT currently range from $1,864-$2,298 for a standard dry van load over the 867-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $677-$1,137 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 Seattle to Billings?
Standard FTL transit from Seattle to Billings is approximately 16 hrs by truck over 867 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 Seattle to Billings freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Seattle commonly ships aircraft & aerospace parts, software/cloud hardware, seafood (Alaska processing), which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Billings commonly receives crude oil, consumer goods, building materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Billings to Seattle?
Yes. Billings is a strong outbound market shipping refined petroleum, sugar beets, grain & wheat. Carriers returning from Billings to Seattle can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Seattle-to-Billings lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Seattle to Billings?
The Seattle-to-Billings corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Seattle's top outbound commodities include aircraft & aerospace parts, software/cloud hardware, seafood (Alaska processing), agricultural exports (wheat, apples), forest products, e-commerce shipments. Billings's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, consumer goods, building materials, farm equipment, industrial supplies, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include technology and aerospace (Boeing) from Seattle and petroleum refining and agriculture & ranching in Billings.
Get Exact Rates for Seattle to Billings
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Seattle to Billings lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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