Skip to main content

Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA

1135-mile freight corridor via I-5 N through Central Valley, over Siskiyou Pass, I-5 through Oregon and Washington. 2-3 days transit. Moderate difficulty.

Distance

1135 mi

Transit Time

2-3 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Toll Cost

$0

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/MileEst. Total
Dry Van$2.30$2,610.5
Reefer$2.80$3,178
Flatbed$3.00$3,405

Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.

Route Details

Recommended Route

I-5 N through Central Valley, over Siskiyou Pass, I-5 through Oregon and Washington

Fuel Stops

5 recommended

Tolls

$0

Common Freight Types

Consumer ElectronicsRetail GoodsProduceAerospace Parts

Backhaul Information

Good Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $2.10/mi

Common return cargo: Apples, cherries, timber, aerospace components from Boeing

Key Stops Along the Route

Los Angeles, CA

Origin

Bakersfield, CA

Sacramento, CA

Redding, CA

Medford, OR

Eugene, OR

Portland, OR

Seattle, WA

Destination

Seasonal Trends

Apple and cherry season (July-October) creates strong southbound backhaul from Yakima and Wenatchee. Winter on Siskiyou Pass and Grants Pass can require chains November-March. Grapevine (Tejon Pass) closes 2-3 times per winter for snow and ice.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

1

Siskiyou Pass (OR/CA border) is the most dangerous stretch. 6% grade, sharp curves, chain requirements in winter -- never skip the chain-up area.

2

The Grapevine (I-5 over Tejon Pass) closes during storms. Check Caltrans QuickMap before departing LA.

3

Fuel is cheapest in Oregon (no sales tax applies to diesel too). Fill up in Medford or Eugene.

4

Central Valley ag loads (Bakersfield, Fresno) are plentiful but often short-haul. Good for filling dead miles.

5

Seattle port area (SODO, Harbor Island) has severe congestion. Plan deliveries before 7 AM or after 6 PM.

Los Angeles to Seattle FAQ

Current average rates on the Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA lane are approximately $2.30/mi for dry van, $2.80/mi for reefer, and $3.00/mi for flatbed. Rates fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and market demand. The most common equipment types on this lane are Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed.
The 1135-mile route from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA typically takes 2-3 days. The recommended route is I-5 N through Central Valley, over Siskiyou Pass, I-5 through Oregon and Washington. Actual transit time depends on weather, traffic, HOS compliance, and whether you run solo or team. Plan for 5 fuel stops along the way.
Yes, backhaul availability on the return trip is good. Average backhaul rates run around $2.10/mi. Common backhaul cargo includes Apples, cherries, timber, aerospace components from Boeing. Check DAT, Truckstop, and local brokers for the best return loads.
Estimated toll costs on the Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA corridor are $0. This is a toll-free corridor, which helps protect your margins.

Related Freight Lanes