Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX Freight
West Coast imports meeting Southern distribution — America's busiest east-west lane
Los Angeles, CA
Dallas, TX
What Moves on This Lane
The most common commodities shipped from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX.
Imported consumer goods from LA/LB ports
Electronics and appliances
Furniture and home goods
Apparel and textiles
Auto parts and accessories
Food products (both ambient and temperature-controlled)
Transit Times by Mode
| Mode | Estimated Transit |
|---|---|
| FTL (single driver) | 3 days |
| FTL (team drivers) | 1.5 days |
| Intermodal (BNSF/UP) | 5–6 days |
| LTL | 4–5 days |
Seasonal Freight Patterns
How freight volume and rates change throughout the year on this lane.
Spring (Mar–May)
Moderate rates. Produce season ramps up in California, pulling reefer capacity away from port drayage and tightening overall truck supply in the LA basin.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Import volumes begin building for back-to-school and holiday inventory. Rates climb steadily from June onward.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Peak import season. Container volumes at LA/LB ports surge 20–30%. Rates on this lane hit annual highs in October and November.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Sharp pullback after the holidays. January and February are the softest months, with rates dropping 15–25% from fall peaks.
Origin Market: Los Angeles, CA
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach together handle over 17 million TEUs annually — nearly half of all US containerized imports. The Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside counties) has over 4,000 warehouses where imported goods are deconsolidated and redistributed. LA is the starting point for more outbound truckloads than any other US metro.
Destination Market: Dallas, TX
Dallas-Fort Worth receives more inbound freight from the West Coast than any other inland market. Its central location makes it the ideal redistribution point — freight arriving from LA can reach Houston, Atlanta, Memphis, and Kansas City within one driver's shift. DFW's explosive warehouse growth (40M+ new square feet since 2020) continues to pull freight eastward.
Backhaul & Return Loads
Westbound backhaul from Dallas to LA is a known soft lane. Texas doesn't generate enough outbound volume to LA to balance the massive eastbound import flow. Backhaul rates typically run 20–30% below headhaul. Smart carriers book Dallas-to-LA loads at lower margins rather than deadheading 1,400 miles back empty — look for building materials, scrap metal, recycling, or Texas agricultural products heading to California.
Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX Freight FAQs
Why is LA-to-Dallas freight so expensive during peak season?
Fall peak season (September–November) combines two factors: surge import volumes at LA/LB ports and holiday retail stocking deadlines. Carrier capacity in the LA basin tightens dramatically, and shippers compete for trucks. Rates can spike 30–50% above summer levels. Booking 2–3 weeks ahead or shifting to intermodal can help manage costs.
Is intermodal a good option for LA-to-Dallas freight?
Yes — intermodal saves 20–30% on this lane and both BNSF and Union Pacific run high-frequency service between LA and DFW. Transit time is 5–6 days vs. 3 days for FTL. For planned, non-perishable freight with flexible delivery dates, intermodal is the most cost-effective option.
What are the backhaul options from Dallas back to LA?
Dallas-to-LA is a soft backhaul lane. Common westbound commodities include building materials, scrap and recycling, agricultural products (cotton, grain), and manufacturing components. Rates run 20–30% below eastbound, so carriers should plan for lower-revenue return loads or combine with a stop in Phoenix or Tucson.
Does the route go through any mountain passes or elevation concerns?
Yes. The I-10 route through Arizona climbs through several mountain passes, and the I-15 connector from LA to I-10 crosses the Cajon Pass (elevation 4,190 feet). In winter, chains may be required on the Cajon Pass. Carriers should check CalTrans and ADOT road conditions before departing November through March.
Related Freight Lanes
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