Freight Rates and Trucking Trends in Long Beach, California

Long Beach, California, serves as a primary gateway for trans-Pacific trade, with the Port of Long Beach (POLB) and the adjacent Port of Los Angeles handling approximately 40% of all U.S. containerized imports. Freight rates out of this region are heavily influenced by vessel arrival schedules, seasonal retail surges, and equipment availability, particularly chassis. The Southern California market, often referred to as the 'Inbound Region' for the U.S., typically sees outbound spot rates that fluctuate between $2.10 and $3.50 per mile for dry van loads depending on the destination and diesel price indices. Drayage rates remain a critical component, with base rates often starting between $400 and $700 for local delivery within a 50-mile radius, excluding fuel surcharges and accessorials. Navigating these costs requires precise documentation and route planning to avoid congestion-related delays at terminal gates. DispatchTool integrates these market realities into its dispatching platform, allowing users to upload rate confirmations, track detention time at terminals, and manage IFTA reporting for California miles. The platform helps owner-operators verify that the accepted rate covers the high cost of California operations, including the Clean Truck Fund (CTF) rates and terminal access fees. Carriers looking to streamline their drayage and long-haul operations out of the San Pedro Bay port complex can create a DispatchTool account to manage their load documentation and settlements in one interface.

Spot Market Averages and Regional Disparities

According to DAT Freight & Analytics, outbound dry van rates from the Los Angeles/Long Beach market averaged $2.24 per mile in late 2024, excluding fuel. However, short-haul regional movements to the Inland Empire (Ontario/Fontana) often command higher per-mile rates due to extreme congestion on the I-710 and CA-91 corridors. Reefer rates typically carry a premium of $0.40 to $0.70 per mile over dry van prices to account for the energy costs of cooling and the maintenance of California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant Transport Refrigeration Units. Long-haul rates to major hubs like Dallas, TX, or Chicago, IL, often see lower per-mile figures compared to short-haul drayage because of the high concentration of outbound capacity competing for backhaul loads.

Port of Long Beach Accessorials and Fees

Truckers operating out of the Port of Long Beach must account for the Clean Truck Fund (CTF) rate, which is currently $10 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) or $20 per forty-foot container. These fees are collected to fund the transition to zero-emission drayage trucks by 2035. Additionally, PierPass OffPeak programs influence rates by charging a Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF) for daytime moves to encourage night-gate usage. As of 2024, the TMF is approximately $35.57 per TEU. Carriers must ensure these specific costs are line-itemed in their rate confirmations to avoid eroding their profit margins, as total port fees can easily exceed $150 per container move before the first mile is driven.

Impact of Fuel Prices and California Surcharges

California diesel prices are consistently $1.00 to $1.50 per gallon higher than the U.S. national average according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). In early 2025, California retail diesel prices hovered near $5.10 per gallon while the national average remained closer to $3.85. This disparity necessitates a higher fuel surcharge (FSC) for outbound Long Beach freight. Most carriers utilize the EIA West Coast (PADD 5) index to calculate surcharges rather than the national index. A standard 1% increase in FSC for every $0.06 increase in diesel is common, but many Long Beach carriers are now moving toward a 'floor' fuel surcharge to protect against price volatility at Southern California pumps.

Inland Empire Warehousing and Short-Haul Links

A significant portion of Long Beach freight moves just 50 to 70 miles east to the Inland Empire (IE), home to over 1 billion square feet of warehouse space. Rates for these short-haul 'shuttle' runs are rarely calculated by the mile; instead, they are quoted as flat rates ranging from $500 to $900 per container. Demand for these runs peaks between August and October during the 'Peak Season' for retail imports. During these months, capacity tightens significantly, and spot rates for immediate drayage out of POLB can spike by 25% to 40% as warehouses reach maximum capacity and container dwell times increase at the terminals.

CARB Compliance and Equipment Costs

Operating in Long Beach requires adherence to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Truck and Bus Regulation. As of January 1, 2023, all trucks operating in California must have a 2010 model year engine or equivalent. Furthermore, the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) regulation now requires drayage trucks to be registered in the CARB Online System to access the ports. These regulations have increased the cost of equipment, as newer, compliant trucks demand higher monthly payments. Consequently, carriers must command a minimum base rate that accounts for a 15% to 20% higher equipment overhead compared to carriers operating solely in the Midwest or Southeast U.S.

Terminal Congestion and Detention Rates

The Port of Long Beach consists of six container terminals, including Total Terminals International (TTI) and Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT). Turn times at these facilities vary; according to the Harbor Trucking Association, average turn times can range from 60 to 95 minutes. Freight rates must include specific detention clauses. Standard industry practice in Long Beach allows for two hours of 'free time,' with detention billing starting at $75 to $125 per hour thereafter. For transload operations where cargo is moved from a sea container to a 53-foot trailer, carriers often charge a flat 'drop and pick' fee of $150 to $250 to compensate for the time spent managing chassis and container returns.

Sources

Port of Long Beach (2024) — https://polb.com/truckers/clean-trucks-program/ U.S. Energy Information Administration (2025) — https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/ DAT Freight & Analytics (2024) — https://www.dat.com/trendlines California Air Resources Board (2023) — https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/truck-and-bus-regulation

Frequently asked

What is the average dry van rate out of Long Beach?

As of 2024-2025 data, the average spot rate for dry van freight out of the Long Beach market is approximately $2.20 to $2.35 per mile, though this fluctuates based on the destination's desirability for backhauls.

How much is the Clean Truck Fund fee in Long Beach?

The Port of Long Beach charges a Clean Truck Fund rate of $10 per TEU (20-foot container) and $20 per FEU (40-foot container) to help fund zero-emission initiatives.

Why are freight rates higher in California than other states?

Rates are higher due to California's diesel prices being roughly $1.20 higher than the national average and strict CARB regulations that require newer, more expensive vehicle engines.

Do I need a TWIC card to get the best rates in Long Beach?

Yes, a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is required for unescorted access to Port of Long Beach terminals. Drivers without a TWIC often cannot access port loads, which represents the highest volume of freight in the city.

What is the PierPass Traffic Mitigation Fee?

The Traffic Mitigation Fee (TMF) is a charge of $35.57 per TEU for containers moved during peak daytime hours (3:00 AM to 6:00 PM) to reduce traffic congestion in the harbor area.