Freight Shipping from Shreveport to Norfolk
Ship freight from Shreveport, LA to Norfolk, VA with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $2,892-$3,564, LTL from $940-$1,543. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
1,345 mi
Drive Time
24 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$2,892-$3,564
LTL Rate Est.
$940-$1,543
Shreveport to Norfolk 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.
Norfolk is the East Coast's deepest natural harbor and home to the Port of Virginia — the third-largest container port in the U.S. and the only East Coast port with 55-foot channels capable of handling fully loaded ultra-large container vessels at any tide. Naval Station Norfolk, the world's largest naval base, generates enormous military logistics volume. Huntington Ingalls' Newport News Shipyard builds America's aircraft carriers and submarines, creating specialized oversize freight that moves nowhere else in the country.
The Shreveport-to-Norfolk corridor spans 1,345 miles via I-20, I-49, I-64, I-264. This lane connects oil & gas services and gaming & entertainment freight from the Shreveport market to military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics demand in Norfolk. 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 Norfolk Receives
Norfolk's military & naval operations, port & maritime logistics, shipbuilding sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Shreveport.
containerized imports (Asia/Europe)
vehicles (auto import)
crude oil
machinery
consumer goods
building materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Shreveport and Norfolk, 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.
$2,892-$3,564 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.
$3,833-$4,909 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$4,237-$5,716 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.
$940-$1,543 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Shreveport to Norfolk lane (1,345 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $2,892-$3,564 | 24 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $940-$1,543 | 26-28 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $4,371-$6,053 | 16 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $1,816-$2,488 | 27-29 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Shreveport and Norfolk that drive volume on this lane.
Barksdale Air Force Base
Benteler Steel & Tube
Fibrebond Corporation
Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval base)
Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipbuilding)
Virginia Port Authority
Shipping Tips for Shreveport to Norfolk
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.
Norfolk Seasonal Advisory
Import container volumes peak August through November during retail peak season. Coal exports fluctuate with global energy demand and Asian steel production. Military freight is steady year-round but surges during deployment cycles and fleet maintenance periods.
Consider Team Drivers
At 1,345 miles, this route exceeds single-driver HOS limits. Team drivers can deliver in 24 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.
Shreveport to Norfolk Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Shreveport to Norfolk?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Shreveport, LA to Norfolk, VA currently range from $2,892-$3,564 for a standard dry van load over the 1,345-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $940-$1,543 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 Norfolk?
Standard FTL transit from Shreveport to Norfolk is approximately 24 hrs by truck over 1,345 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 Shreveport to Norfolk 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. Norfolk commonly receives containerized imports (Asia/Europe), vehicles (auto import), crude oil. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Norfolk to Shreveport?
Yes. Norfolk is a strong outbound market shipping containerized exports, coal, soybeans & grain. Carriers returning from Norfolk to Shreveport can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Shreveport-to-Norfolk lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Shreveport to Norfolk?
The Shreveport-to-Norfolk 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. Norfolk's primary inbound freight includes containerized imports (Asia/Europe), vehicles (auto import), crude oil, machinery, consumer goods, building materials. Industries driving this lane include oil & gas services and gaming & entertainment from Shreveport and military & naval operations and port & maritime logistics in Norfolk.
Get Exact Rates for Shreveport to Norfolk
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Shreveport to Norfolk lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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