Freight Shipping from Seattle to Oakland
Ship freight from Seattle, WA to Oakland, CA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,892-$2,332, LTL from $684-$1,148. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
880 mi
Drive Time
16 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,892-$2,332
LTL Rate Est.
$684-$1,148
Seattle to Oakland 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.
Oakland is Northern California's freight nerve center. The Port of Oakland is the 8th busiest container port in North America and the primary export gateway for Central Valley agricultural products, particularly almonds bound for Asia and hay destined for Japan and the Middle East. The Oakland International Gateway intermodal facility provides direct rail connections to UP's transcontinental network, enabling shippers to avoid the congestion of Southern California ports.
The Seattle-to-Oakland corridor spans 880 miles via I-5, I-90, I-80, I-880. This lane connects technology and aerospace (boeing) freight from the Seattle market to port operations & logistics and food & beverage distribution demand in Oakland. 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 Oakland Receives
Oakland's port operations & logistics, food & beverage distribution, technology sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Seattle.
containerized imports
automobiles
building materials
electronics
furniture
apparel
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Seattle and Oakland, 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.
$1,892-$2,332 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.
$2,332-$2,948 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.
$2,508-$3,212 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.
$684-$1,148 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Seattle to Oakland lane (880 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,892-$2,332 | 16 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $684-$1,148 | 18-20 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,860-$3,960 | 11 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,188-$1,628 | 19-21 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Seattle and Oakland that drive volume on this lane.
Amazon (HQ)
Boeing Everett/Renton
Microsoft (Redmond)
Dreyer's/Nestle
Clorox (HQ)
Peet's Coffee (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Seattle to Oakland
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.
Oakland Seasonal Advisory
Export volumes peak September through December as post-harvest agricultural commodities move to overseas markets. Import volumes follow retail patterns with an August-November surge for holiday goods.
Overnight Transit
This 880-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 Oakland Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Seattle to Oakland?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Seattle, WA to Oakland, CA currently range from $1,892-$2,332 for a standard dry van load over the 880-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $684-$1,148 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 Oakland?
Standard FTL transit from Seattle to Oakland is approximately 16 hrs by truck over 880 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 Oakland 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. Oakland commonly receives containerized imports, automobiles, building materials. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Oakland to Seattle?
Yes. Oakland is a strong outbound market shipping agricultural exports (almonds, hay), recycled commodities, manufactured goods. Carriers returning from Oakland to Seattle can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Seattle-to-Oakland lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Seattle to Oakland?
The Seattle-to-Oakland 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. Oakland's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports, automobiles, building materials, electronics, furniture, apparel. Industries driving this lane include technology and aerospace (Boeing) from Seattle and port operations & logistics and food & beverage distribution in Oakland.
Get Exact Rates for Seattle to Oakland
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