Freight Shipping from Tulsa to Denver
Ship freight from Tulsa, OK to Denver, CO with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $1,535-$1,892, LTL from $593-$1,007. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
714 mi
Drive Time
13 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$1,535-$1,892
LTL Rate Est.
$593-$1,007
Tulsa to Denver Freight Corridor
Tulsa is the aerospace maintenance capital of the central U.S., with American Airlines operating its largest MRO facility here — capable of servicing widebody aircraft. The Port of Catoosa, America's most inland river port, connects Tulsa to the Gulf of Mexico via the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, enabling barge-to-truck transloading for heavy industrial freight. The city's legacy oil refining infrastructure creates steady tanker and hazmat volumes.
Denver is the Rocky Mountain region's undisputed freight hub and the last major distribution point before the I-70 mountain corridor forces carriers through some of the most challenging terrain in the lower 48. The city's booming population growth has spawned massive warehouse development along the I-76 and E-470 corridors near DIA. Denver's natural foods industry, anchored by WhiteWave, Natural Grocers, and dozens of craft producers, generates high-value reefer freight heading to both coasts.
The Tulsa-to-Denver corridor spans 714 miles via I-44, US-75, I-25, I-70. This lane connects aerospace manufacturing and energy freight from the Tulsa market to aerospace & defense and technology demand in Denver. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Tulsa
Tulsa's economy is driven by aerospace manufacturing, energy, steel fabrication, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
aircraft components
refined fuels
steel pipe & fittings
oil & gas equipment
processed foods
glass products
What Denver Receives
Denver's aerospace & defense, technology, natural foods & beverage sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Tulsa.
consumer goods
building materials
automotive vehicles
industrial machinery
fresh produce
retail merchandise
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Tulsa and Denver, 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.
$1,535-$1,892 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.
$1,892-$2,392 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.
$2,035-$2,606 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.
$593-$1,007 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Tulsa to Denver lane (714 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $1,535-$1,892 | 13 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $593-$1,007 | 15-17 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $2,321-$3,213 | 9 hrs |
| Intermodal (Rail + Truck) | $964-$1,321 | 16-18 days |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Tulsa and Denver that drive volume on this lane.
American Airlines Maintenance Base
NORDAM Group
Holly Frontier Refining
Amazon (4 facilities)
Lockheed Martin (Waterton)
Ball Corporation (HQ)
Shipping Tips for Tulsa to Denver
Tulsa Seasonal Advisory
Aerospace MRO work peaks during winter when airlines pull aircraft from service for heavy maintenance checks. Refinery output is steady but turnaround seasons (spring and fall) temporarily reduce outbound tanker volumes while increasing inbound equipment freight.
Denver Seasonal Advisory
Construction season (April-October) drives flatbed demand for building materials headed to mountain resort communities. Ski season freight (equipment, supplies) peaks September-November as resorts stock up.
Overnight Transit
This 714-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.
Tulsa to Denver Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Tulsa to Denver?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Tulsa, OK to Denver, CO currently range from $1,535-$1,892 for a standard dry van load over the 714-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $593-$1,007 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 Tulsa to Denver?
Standard FTL transit from Tulsa to Denver is approximately 13 hrs by truck over 714 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 Tulsa to Denver freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Tulsa commonly ships aircraft components, refined fuels, steel pipe & fittings, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Denver commonly receives consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Denver to Tulsa?
Yes. Denver is a strong outbound market shipping natural & organic foods, craft beer & spirits, aerospace components. Carriers returning from Denver to Tulsa can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Tulsa-to-Denver lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Tulsa to Denver?
The Tulsa-to-Denver corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Tulsa's top outbound commodities include aircraft components, refined fuels, steel pipe & fittings, oil & gas equipment, processed foods, glass products. Denver's primary inbound freight includes consumer goods, building materials, automotive vehicles, industrial machinery, fresh produce, retail merchandise. Industries driving this lane include aerospace manufacturing and energy from Tulsa and aerospace & defense and technology in Denver.
Get Exact Rates for Tulsa to Denver
Tell us about your freight and we will match you with a vetted carrier who runs the Tulsa to Denver lane regularly. Free quote, no obligation.
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