Freight Shipping from Wichita to Tulsa
Ship freight from Wichita, KS to Tulsa, OK with FMCSA-verified carriers. FTL from $361-$445, LTL from $292-$543. No hidden fees, no re-bills.
Distance
168 mi
Drive Time
3 hrs
FTL Rate Est.
$361-$445
LTL Rate Est.
$292-$543
Wichita to Tulsa Freight Corridor
Wichita builds more aircraft than any other city in the world. Spirit AeroSystems fabricates fuselages for Boeing 737s and 787s, Textron assembles Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft, and the surrounding supply chain creates one of the most specialized freight markets in the country. Aircraft fuselage sections moving from Wichita to Boeing's Seattle and Charleston assembly lines are among the most valuable individual truckloads on American highways, each worth tens of millions of dollars.
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.
The Wichita-to-Tulsa corridor spans 168 miles via I-35, I-135, I-44, US-75. This lane connects aerospace manufacturing and aircraft assembly freight from the Wichita market to aerospace manufacturing and energy demand in Tulsa. Carriers running this route regularly maintain competitive rates through strong backhaul availability in both directions.
What Ships from Wichita
Wichita's economy is driven by aerospace manufacturing, aircraft assembly, agriculture, generating consistent outbound freight demand.
business jets & aircraft
aircraft components
wheat & grain
oil field equipment
processed meats
aviation tools
What Tulsa Receives
Tulsa's aerospace manufacturing, energy, steel fabrication sectors drive strong inbound freight demand from markets like Wichita.
crude oil
raw steel
aircraft sub-assemblies
chemicals
electronic components
packaging materials
Recommended Equipment
Based on the commodities moving between Wichita and Tulsa, 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.
$361-$445 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.
$445-$563 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.
$479-$613 estimated for this lane
Tanker / Hazmat
Specialized equipment for liquid chemicals, petroleum products, and hazardous materials. Requires hazmat-endorsed drivers and placarding compliance.
$529-$714 estimated for this lane
Rate Estimates by Shipping Mode
Estimated rates for the Wichita to Tulsa lane (168 miles). Actual rates depend on commodity, weight, season, and equipment.
| Mode | Rate Estimate | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| FTL (Full Truckload) | $361-$445 | 3 hrs |
| LTL (Less Than Truckload) | $292-$543 | 5-7 days |
| Expedited / Hot Shot | $546-$756 | 2 hrs |
Major Shippers on This Corridor
Key freight generators in both Wichita and Tulsa that drive volume on this lane.
Spirit AeroSystems
Textron Aviation (Cessna/Beechcraft)
Bombardier Learjet
American Airlines Maintenance Base
NORDAM Group
Holly Frontier Refining
Shipping Tips for Wichita to Tulsa
Wichita Seasonal Advisory
Wheat harvest (June-July) creates intense but brief demand for grain trucks. Aerospace manufacturing maintains steady production schedules year-round. Oil field service activity fluctuates with crude prices, adding or subtracting flatbed demand.
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.
Same-Day Delivery Possible
At 168 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.
Wichita to Tulsa Freight FAQs
How much does it cost to ship freight from Wichita to Tulsa?
Full truckload (FTL) rates from Wichita, KS to Tulsa, OK currently range from $361-$445 for a standard dry van load over the 168-mile route. LTL shipments typically cost $292-$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 Wichita to Tulsa?
Standard FTL transit from Wichita to Tulsa is approximately 3 hrs by truck over 168 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 Wichita to Tulsa freight?
Equipment choice depends on your commodity. Wichita commonly ships business jets & aircraft, aircraft components, wheat & grain, which typically moves in standard dry van trailers. Tulsa commonly receives crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies. Our team matches you with the right equipment type for your specific freight.
Is there good backhaul from Tulsa to Wichita?
Yes. Tulsa is a strong outbound market shipping aircraft components, refined fuels, steel pipe & fittings. Carriers returning from Tulsa to Wichita can pick up backhaul loads, which often means competitive rates on the Wichita-to-Tulsa lane since carriers factor in round-trip economics.
What commodities move from Wichita to Tulsa?
The Wichita-to-Tulsa corridor handles a diverse freight mix. Wichita's top outbound commodities include business jets & aircraft, aircraft components, wheat & grain, oil field equipment, processed meats, aviation tools. Tulsa's primary inbound freight includes crude oil, raw steel, aircraft sub-assemblies, chemicals, electronic components, packaging materials. Industries driving this lane include aerospace manufacturing and aircraft assembly from Wichita and aerospace manufacturing and energy in Tulsa.
Get Exact Rates for Wichita to Tulsa
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