Freight Shipping from Seattle to Los Angeles
Ship freight from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,705-$3,334, LTL from $892-$1,469. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,258 mi
Drive Time
23 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,705-$3,334
LTL Rate Est.
$892-$1,469
Seattle to Los Angeles 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.
The Los Angeles basin is the undisputed freight capital of the Western Hemisphere. The San Pedro Bay port complex (LA + Long Beach) handles 40% of all US containerized imports, generating a tidal wave of drayage and long-haul freight that radiates outward on I-10, I-15, and I-5. The Inland Empire east of LA has become the largest warehouse market in the world, with over 600 million square feet of distribution space absorbing and redistributing Asian imports to every corner of the country.
The Seattle-to-Los Angeles corridor spans 1,258 miles via I-5. This lane connects technology and aerospace (boeing) freight from the Seattle market to entertainment & media and international trade demand in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles Receives
Los Angeles's entertainment & media, international trade, aerospace sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Seattle.
consumer electronics
furniture & housewares
automotive parts
textiles & fabrics
industrial machinery
toys & games
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Seattle and Los Angeles, 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.
$2,705-$3,334 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.
$3,334-$4,214 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.
$3,585-$4,592 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.
$892-$1,469 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Seattle to Los Angeles lane (1,258 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,705-$3,334 | 23 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $892-$1,469 | 25-27 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,089-$5,661 | 15 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,698-$2,327 | 26-28 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Seattle and Los Angeles that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (HQ)
Boeing Everett/Renton
Microsoft (Redmond)
Amazon (15+ facilities)
Target (import DC)
Nike Distribution
Shipping Tips for Seattle to Los Angeles
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.
Los Angeles Seasonal Advisory
Import surge begins in August for holiday retail season, peaking in October-November. Chinese New Year (January-February) creates a brief lull followed by a restocking wave in March.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,258 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 23 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 Los Angeles Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Seattle to Los Angeles?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA currently range from $2,705-$3,334 for a standard dry van load over the 1,258-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $892-$1,469 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 Los Angeles?
Standard FTL transit from Seattle to Los Angeles is approximately 23 hrs by truck over 1,258 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 Los Angeles 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. Los Angeles commonly receives consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Los Angeles to Seattle?
Yes. Los Angeles is a strong outbound market shipping containerized imports (re-distribution), entertainment equipment, apparel & fashion. Carriers returning from Los Angeles to Seattle can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Seattle-to-Los Angeles lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Seattle to Los Angeles?
The Seattle-to-Los Angeles 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. Los Angeles's primary inbound freight includes consumer electronics, furniture & housewares, automotive parts, textiles & fabrics, industrial machinery, toys & games. Industries driving this lane include technology and aerospace (Boeing) from Seattle and entertainment & media and international trade in Los Angeles.
Get Exact Rates for Seattle to Los Angeles
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Seattle to Los Angeles lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts