1135 miles · Est. 16.7 hours · Avg $2.75/mile · Gross $3,121
Lane Overview
1,135
Miles
$2.75
Avg rate/mile
$3,121
Avg gross rate
easy
Competition
Seattle to Los Angeles southbound on I-5 is the West Coast's premium long haul — 1,135 miles connecting the Pacific Northwest tech and consumer economy to Southern California's massive port and distribution complex. Technology goods from Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing's supplier network, combined with Washington and Oregon lumber and consumer goods, generate $2.65–$2.85/mile on this easy-rated corridor. Shippers consistently need trucks, and rates stay elevated.
I-5 through the Siskiyou Pass at the CA/OR border reaches 4,310 feet — chain control and winter closures possible November through March. Check ODOT and Caltrans conditions the night before. California's CARB regulations apply from the border — ensure your equipment is compliant. The I-5 through Sacramento's metro and into the Central Valley through Stockton can add 45 minutes during peak hours. LA approach on I-5 through the Grapevine is the final challenge — chains required in winter, long grades in summer heat. Return loads LA to Seattle (Lane 24) run at $2.70–$2.90/mile.
Driver Tip
At 16.7 hours drive time, HOS planning is critical. Use our HOS Calculator to map your 70-hour cycle before dispatch.
Multi-Day Costs
Fuel Estimate
$420
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$15
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$2,686
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Driver's Complete Guide
Seattle to Los Angeles is the West Coast main line. I-5 from Puget Sound to the LA Basin is 1,135 miles of some of the most consistent freight demand in the country, and the easy rating is legitimate — Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and the entire Pacific Northwest tech economy generate southbound freight that shippers genuinely scramble to cover. This isn't a lane you're hunting for loads on; it's a lane where loads find you.
Amazon's massive Kent, WA and Sumner, WA fulfillment centers push southbound e-commerce product toward California's enormous consumer market daily. Boeing's Everett and Renton facilities generate aerospace components — high-value, specialized freight that pays a premium over consumer goods. Microsoft's Redmond campus and the broader Seattle tech corridor produce tech equipment and hardware moving south. Washington state's timber and wood products industry adds flatbed volume from mills near Tacoma and Olympia. Oregon's wine industry adds reefer freight in the Willamette Valley corridor. Agricultural produce from Yakima Valley — apples, cherries, hops — adds seasonal reefer demand.
I-5 south from Seattle through Tacoma and Olympia is the first 60 miles. Oregon stretches 300 miles to the California border — Portland's metro through the I-205 bypass is cleaner than I-5 through downtown Portland. Medford, OR at roughly 400 miles from Seattle is the natural first fuel stop and break point. The Siskiyou Pass at the OR/CA border is the critical weather section — 4,310 feet with chain law possible November through March and road closures in severe snow events. Check ODOT and Caltrans night before departure if there's any winter weather in the forecast. Redding, CA is the first California fuel stop with good truck infrastructure. Sacramento metro on I-5 south can add significant time during rush hours — time your pass before 7am or after 9am. The Central Valley stretch through Stockton and Fresno is fast. The Tejon Pass (Grapevine) on I-5 into LA is the final challenge — a sustained grade descent with chain law possible in winter. CHP enforces commercial vehicle compliance actively at the base of the Grapevine at Wheeler Ridge.
Easy rating means hold for what the load is worth. $2.65–$2.80/mile is the standard range. Don't take $2.50 when there's a $2.70 load coming Tuesday morning — the freight is there. Amazon's freight operations run through brokers; getting on their preferred carrier lists through Echo Logistics or Transplace provides consistent access at negotiated rates above spot.
LA to Seattle (Lane 24) is the counterpart — port freight and California distribution heading north at $2.70–$2.90/mile. Running this as a round trip is the standard operating model for West Coast carriers, and both directions pay well.
What's the Siskiyou Pass situation in winter?
The Siskiyou Summit on I-5 near Ashland, OR can close with zero notice during snow and ice events. ODOT's TripCheck app and the 511 service give real-time conditions. The bypass via US-97 south from Klamath Falls adds significant mileage but avoids the summit. If there's any storm forecast for Southern Oregon, call the ODOT hotline before you leave Medford.
Does CARB compliance apply from the Oregon-California border?
Yes — California's CARB Truck and Bus Regulation applies as soon as you cross the state line. Out-of-state trucks operating in California must meet specific engine model year requirements. CHP enforcement occurs at ports of entry and scale houses throughout California. If your equipment doesn't meet California standards, operating in California exposes you to significant fines.
Is the Portland metro bypass on I-205 really better than I-5 through downtown?
For commercial vehicles, yes — I-205 through Clackamas and Vancouver is almost always faster than I-5 through the Marquam Bridge and downtown Portland interchange. The Columbia River crossing on I-205 has better sight lines and the interchange geometry is cleaner for truck routing. Add the I-205 bypass to your GPS default for this run.
Return Freight
Los Angeles to Seattle
1135 miles · $2.80/mile avg
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