Freight Shipping from Seattle to Des Moines
Ship freight from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $4,089-$5,040, LTL from $1,246-$2,017. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,902 mi
Drive Time
35 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$4,089-$5,040
LTL Rate Est.
$1,246-$2,017
Seattle to Des Moines 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.
Des Moines sits at the junction of I-80 and I-35, making it the natural crossroads of the upper Midwest agricultural belt. The city punches above its weight in freight thanks to a concentration of food processing plants (Tyson, Barilla, Kemin) and Hy-Vee's distribution network that services grocery stores across eight states. Meta's massive data center campus in Altoona has added a new dimension of high-value technology freight for server equipment and infrastructure.
The Seattle-to-Des Moines corridor spans 1,902 miles via I-5, I-90, I-80, I-35. This lane connects technology and aerospace (boeing) freight from the Seattle market to insurance & financial services and food processing demand in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines Receives
Des Moines's insurance & financial services, food processing, agriculture sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Seattle.
consumer goods
construction materials
livestock feed
agricultural chemicals
retail merchandise
technology equipment (data centers)
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Seattle and Des Moines, 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.
$4,089-$5,040 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.
$5,040-$6,372 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.
$5,421-$6,942 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$5,991-$8,084 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Seattle to Des Moines lane (1,902 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $4,089-$5,040 | 35 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $1,246-$2,017 | 37-39 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $6,182-$8,559 | 23 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $2,568-$3,519 | 38-40 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Seattle and Des Moines that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (HQ)
Boeing Everett/Renton
Microsoft (Redmond)
John Deere (Des Moines Works)
Hy-Vee (HQ)
Principal Financial (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Seattle to Des Moines
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.
Des Moines Seasonal Advisory
Harvest season (September-November) transforms the freight market as grain trucks flood the highways and competition for drivers intensifies. Holiday food processing peaks October through December. Data center construction freight has become a year-round constant.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,902 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 35 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.
Seattle to Des Moines Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Seattle to Des Moines?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Seattle, WA to Des Moines, IA currently range from $4,089-$5,040 for a standard dry van load over the 1,902-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $1,246-$2,017 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 Des Moines?
Standard FTL transit from Seattle to Des Moines is approximately 35 hrs by truck over 1,902 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 Des Moines 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. Des Moines commonly receives consumer goods, construction materials, livestock feed. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Des Moines to Seattle?
Yes. Des Moines is a strong outbound market shipping processed meats, corn products & ethanol, insurance documents. Carriers returning from Des Moines to Seattle can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Seattle-to-Des Moines lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Seattle to Des Moines?
The Seattle-to-Des Moines 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. Des Moines's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, construction materials, livestock feed, agricultural chemicals, retail merchandise, technology equipment (data centers). Industries driving this lane include technology and aerospace (Boeing) from Seattle and insurance & financial services and food processing in Des Moines.
Get Exact Rates for Seattle to Des Moines
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