Freight Shipping from Shreveport to New Orleans
Ship freight from Shreveport, LA to New Orleans, LA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $785-$967, LTL from $401-$710. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
365 mi
Drive Time
7 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$785-$967
LTL Rate Est.
$401-$710
Shreveport to New Orleans Freight Corridor
Shreveport sits at the crossroads of I-20 and I-49, serving as the commercial hub for the Ark-La-Tex region where Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas converge. The Haynesville Shale natural gas play transformed the local economy and freight market, with pipe yards and drilling supply companies generating heavy flatbed and specialized oilfield equipment loads. Barksdale Air Force Base, home to the B-52 bomber fleet and Global Strike Command, creates steady military freight demand.
New Orleans commands the mouth of the Mississippi River, the most important commercial waterway in the Western Hemisphere. The Port of South Louisiana complex (stretching from New Orleans to Baton Rouge) handles more tonnage than any other port district in the US, with grain exports from the Midwest heartland meeting oceangoing vessels at 60+ terminals along the river. The city's petrochemical corridor generates hazmat tanker freight on an industrial scale, while the tourism economy demands a constant flow of food, beverage, and hospitality supplies.
The Shreveport-to-New Orleans corridor spans 365 miles via I-20, I-49, I-10, I-55. This lane connects oil & gas services and gaming & entertainment freight from the Shreveport market to petrochemicals and port operations demand in New Orleans. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Shreveport
Shreveport's economy is driven by oil & gas services, gaming & entertainment, military (barksdale afb), generating consistent outbound freight demand.
natural gas
pipe & oil field equipment
lumber & timber
paper products
military supplies
cotton
What New Orleans Receives
New Orleans's petrochemicals, port operations, tourism & hospitality sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Shreveport.
crude oil
steel & metals
containerized imports
construction materials
food service supplies
industrial chemicals
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Shreveport and New Orleans, 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.
$785-$967 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.
$1,040-$1,332 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$1,150-$1,551 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.
$401-$710 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Shreveport to New Orleans lane (365 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $785-$967 | 7 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $401-$710 | 9-11 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $1,186-$1,643 | 4 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Shreveport and New Orleans that drive volume on this lane.
Barksdale Air Force Base
Benteler Steel & Tube
Fibrebond Corporation
Port of New Orleans
Entergy
Folgers/J.M. Smucker (coffee roasting)
Shipping Tips for Shreveport to New Orleans
Shreveport Seasonal Advisory
Oil and gas activity fluctuates with commodity prices rather than seasons. Timber harvesting runs year-round but slows during extended wet periods. Military freight from Barksdale maintains steady cadence with fiscal year-end (September) spikes.
New Orleans Seasonal Advisory
Mardi Gras (February-March) drives a spike in food service and event freight. Hurricane season (June-November) can disrupt port and refinery operations for weeks. Grain export season peaks October through January as the harvest moves downriver.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 365 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.
Shreveport to New Orleans Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Shreveport to New Orleans?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Shreveport, LA to New Orleans, LA currently range from $785-$967 for a standard dry van load over the 365-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $401-$710 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 Shreveport to New Orleans?
Standard FTL transit from Shreveport to New Orleans is approximately 7 hrs by truck over 365 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 Shreveport to New Orleans freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Shreveport commonly ships natural gas, pipe & oil field equipment, lumber & timber, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. New Orleans commonly receives crude oil, steel & metals, containerized imports. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from New Orleans to Shreveport?
Yes. New Orleans is a strong outbound market shipping petroleum products, chemical products, grain exports. Carriers returning from New Orleans to Shreveport can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Shreveport-to-New Orleans lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Shreveport to New Orleans?
The Shreveport-to-New Orleans corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Shreveport's top outbound commodities include natural gas, pipe & oil field equipment, lumber & timber, paper products, military supplies, cotton. New Orleans's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, steel & metals, containerized imports, construction materials, food service supplies, industrial chemicals. Industries driving this lane include oil & gas services and gaming & entertainment from Shreveport and petrochemicals and port operations in New Orleans.
Get Exact Rates for Shreveport to New Orleans
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