Seattle, WA to Portland, OR
174-mile freight corridor via I-5 S directly into Portland metro. Same day (2.5-3.5 hours) transit. Easy difficulty.
Distance
174 mi
Transit Time
Same day (2.5-3.5 hours)
Difficulty
Toll Cost
$0
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.80 | $487.2 |
| Reefer | $3.25 | $565.5 |
| Flatbed | $3.50 | $609 |
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 S directly into Portland metro
Fuel Stops
1 recommended
Tolls
$0
Common Freight Types
Backhaul Information
Good Backhaul Availability
Average backhaul rate: $2.60/mi
Common return cargo: Nike/Columbia apparel, timber products, craft food and beverage
Key Stops Along the Route
Seattle, WA
Origin
Tacoma, WA
Olympia, WA
Centralia, WA
Kelso, WA
Portland, OR
Destination
Seasonal Trends
Steady year-round between two major Pacific NW metros. Amazon and Microsoft freight from Seattle area is consistent. Portland rose festival (June) and holiday season spike demand. Winter ice on I-5 near Centralia can cause multi-day closures.
Trucker Tips for This Lane
I-5 through Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) between Tacoma and Olympia is a notorious bottleneck. Expect 45-60 min delays during commute hours.
Fuel in Oregon -- no state sales tax and diesel is typically $0.20-0.40 cheaper than Washington.
This is the highest-paying short-haul lane on the West Coast per mile. Protect this rate -- do not underbid.
The I-5 bridge over the Columbia River at Vancouver, WA has a 14 foot 6 inch clearance on the older span. Know your load height.
Portland receiver areas (Swan Island, NW Industrial) have limited truck parking and narrow streets. Use GPS apps designed for trucks.