Bellingham
Learn more about shipping freight to and from Bellingham, including information on the city's major ports, terminals, and other freight shipping services, and discover the most competitive freight shipping rates available. FreightCenter provides top solutions for all your logistics needs.
Shipping freight to or from Bellingham is a breeze with FreightCenter. We make navigating the city’s freight landscape easy by offering instant quotes from top carriers, competitive rates, and a straightforward booking process. Whether you’re moving intermodal, LTL, truckload, or rail freight, our extensive network and expert support ensure your cargo moves smoothly and affordably. No matter your shipping needs in Bellingham, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Bellingham Freight Shipping
Bellingham, Washington, serves as a vital logistics hub in the Pacific Northwest, leveraging its strategic location near the Canadian border and its comprehensive transportation infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods both regionally and internationally. The city's connectivity via road, rail, sea, and air positions it as a key player in supply chain operations across the United States and beyond.
Key Transportation Assets:
Port of Bellingham: The Port of Bellingham operates the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, which is undergoing a $27.5 million modernization project to meet the infrastructure needs of the modern shipping industry. This project aims to fortify the main dock to accommodate heavy cargo and equipment, increase navigation depth for a wider range of vessels, and install a state-of-the-art stormwater management system to protect Puget Sound.
Bellingham Cruise Terminal: Located near the Fairhaven neighborhood, this terminal serves as a transportation hub, providing ferry services, including the Alaska Marine Highway System, and connections to various modes of transportation.
Fairhaven Station: Adjacent to the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, Fairhaven Station is served by Amtrak's Cascades service, connecting Bellingham to Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. This station enhances the city's rail connectivity, facilitating passenger and potential freight movement along the corridor.
Bellingham International Airport: Offering scheduled commuter flights to and from Seattle and Friday Harbor, as well as regular jet service to various West Coast airports, the airport supports air logistics operations. Its facilities are equipped to handle cargo, contributing to the city's role in regional and international supply chains.
Interstate 5 (I-5): Bisecting Bellingham, I-5 connects the city to major markets such as Seattle to the south and Vancouver, British Columbia, to the north. This major highway facilitates efficient road transportation for goods moving along the West Coast.
State Route 539 (Guide Meridian): Connecting Bellingham to Lynden and the Canadian border, this route has been widened to accommodate increased cross-border freight traffic, enhancing the efficiency of goods movement between the U.S. and Canada.
Bellingham's integrated transportation network, encompassing modernized port facilities, rail connections, comprehensive roadways, and air logistics capabilities, continues to drive economic growth. The city's strategic investments in infrastructure and its commitment to multimodal transportation solutions position it as a cornerstone of the logistics industry in the Pacific Northwest.
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Crude Petroleum: A major import, with substantial volumes processed through local facilities.
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Automobiles: The Port of Bellingham is poised to become a viable alternative for importing vehicles, offering a congestion-free option compared to other regional terminals.
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Timber and Wood Products: Reflecting the region’s rich forestry resources, timber and related products are significant exports.
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Grain: Agricultural outputs, including various grains, are exported through Bellingham’s port facilities.
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Seafood: Given its coastal location, Bellingham exports seafood products, supporting both local fisheries and international markets.
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Dairy Products: The county’s substantial dairy industry contributes to the movement of milk and related products.
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Raspberries and Other Berries: Whatcom County is a leading producer of raspberries, making them a significant export commodity.
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Construction Equipment: The port handles imports and exports of heavy machinery used in construction.
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Manufacturing Equipment: Industrial machinery is both imported and exported, supporting local manufacturing sectors.
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Food Products: A variety of food items are transported through Bellingham, catering to domestic and international markets.
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Windmill Components: Reflecting a commitment to renewable energy, components for wind energy are part of the freight landscape.
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Planes and Helicopters: A notable import category, indicating activity in aerospace sectors.
Bellingham, Washington, serves as a significant logistics hub in the Pacific Northwest, facilitating the movement of various goods through its well-established transportation infrastructure. The Port of Bellingham plays a crucial role in the import and export of commodities, handling a diverse range of cargo such as automobiles, timber, and grain. In 2022, Washington ports, including Bellingham, managed approximately 55.5 billion tons of non-containerized cargo valued at $36.5 billion.
The city’s economy has traditionally been anchored in agriculture, fishing, and timber. Today, these sectors remain vital, with agriculture focusing on berry and dairy farming and the forestry industry benefiting from access to private timberlands. Additionally, Bellingham has diversified into manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism, contributing to its economic growth.
Bellingham’s transportation network includes major highways such as Interstate 5, which connects the city to Seattle to the south and the Canadian border to the north. The Bellingham International Airport provides both passenger and cargo services, supporting the region’s connectivity. The city’s rail infrastructure further enhances its role in regional and national supply chains, linking Bellingham to major markets across North America.
With its strategic location and diverse transportation assets, Bellingham continues to be a pivotal player in the logistics industry, driving economic growth and facilitating the efficient movement of goods.
For more information, you can visit Bellingham’s official website here.
As the city continues to embrace new infrastructures and industries, its status as a logistics powerhouse will also continue to rise.
Freight Shipping Rates To Any City
Shipping from city to city can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be if you work with FreightCenter. We’re a 3PL dedicated to enhancing your shipping experience. We’ll find reputable carriers in your metropolitan area from our extensive network of over 50 shipping companies.
No matter where your freight is shipping to or from, Enjoy reliable, cost-effective freight services with easy booking and tracking tools. FreightCenter knows how to ship freight right!
Call us at (800) 716-7608, or use our free online quote tool to find and compare rates to and from any city in North America!
FreightCenter’s vast network of carriers includes companies servicing the Bellingham metro area. We connect customers to reputable trucking carriers, finding the right one for your shipping needs. Some of FreightCenter’s partnered freight shipping companies include:
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ABF Freight
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ArcBest
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Bolt Express
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Central Transport
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CRST
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Daylight Transport
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Dayton Freight Lines
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Estes Express Lines
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Estes Forwarding Worldwide
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FedEx Freight
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Forward Air
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Frontline Freight
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HNRY Logistics
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Holland
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Keyboard Motorcycle
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Lynden
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Old Dominion
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Panther Premium Logistics
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Pilot Freight
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Pitt Ohio
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R+L Carriers
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Roadrunner Transportation Systems
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SAIA
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TForce Freight
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UPack
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UPS Freight (now TForce Freight)
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XPO Logistics
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Xpress Global Systems
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Yellow Freight
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YRC Freight
Note: FreightCenter adds and removes carrier partners from time to time. This list may not be current. Ask your FreightCenter agent for assistance.
Bellingham’s Major Highways and Freeways
Bellingham, Washington, is well-connected by a network of highways and roadways that support freight movement and regional transportation. These include:
- Interstate 5 (I-5): Runs north-south through Bellingham, linking the city to Seattle to the south and Vancouver, British Columbia, to the north.
- State Route 11 (Chuckanut Drive): A scenic highway providing access to Bellingham from the south.
- State Route 539 (Guide Meridian): Connects Bellingham to Lynden and the Canadian border, facilitating cross-border trade.
- State Route 542 (Mount Baker Highway): Extends eastward from Bellingham to the Mount Baker Ski Area.
Bellingham’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
The Port of Bellingham is a key driver of the region’s economy, supporting shipping, transportation, and international trade. The port operates the Bellingham Shipping Terminal, a deep-water facility accommodating bulk and breakbulk cargo. The port is undergoing a $27.5 million modernization project to upgrade infrastructure and support larger vessels.
Other key facilities include:
- Bellingham Cruise Terminal: Serves as the southern terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway System, supporting ferry services and multimodal connectivity.
- Fairhaven Transportation Hub: A multimodal facility integrating rail, ferry, and bus transportation.
- Industrial Warehousing Facilities: Various public and private warehouses support logistics and distribution within the region.
Bellingham Railroads
Bellingham is connected to regional and national rail networks via:
- Amtrak Cascades: Provides passenger rail service between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, stopping at Fairhaven Station.
- BNSF Railway: Operates freight rail services, supporting the movement of goods through Bellingham.
Bellingham Airports and Commercial Airlines
- Bellingham International Airport (BLI): The primary airport in the region, offering commercial passenger and cargo services. The airport provides direct connections to major West Coast hubs and supports air freight logistics.
Cost to Ship Freight to Bellingham
When shipping to and from Bellingham, several factors influence the cost:
- Type, Size, and Weight: Heavier or oversized shipments, as well as perishable or specialized goods, can impact pricing. Bellingham offers LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) and full truckload shipping options, along with temperature-controlled and expedited services.
- Seasonal Changes and Demand: Freight rates may fluctuate due to seasonal demand, especially for agricultural and seafood-related shipments.
- Shipping Distance: The cost depends on the distance between the origin and destination. Popular routes to and from Bellingham include Seattle, Portland, and Canadian markets such as Vancouver.
- Transportation Mode: LTL trucking is often more cost-effective than air or rail freight, but each mode varies based on urgency, cost, and cargo type.
- Accessorial Charges: Additional services like liftgate requirements, residential delivery, or limited-access locations can increase shipping costs.
Bellingham’s location near major highways, rail lines, and its port infrastructure provides competitive freight rates and efficient access to markets in the U.S. and Canada.
Why Choose Bellingham for Your Shipping Needs?
Shipping to and from Bellingham offers unique advantages:
- Proximity to Canada: Bellingham’s location near the U.S.-Canada border makes it a key logistics hub for cross-border trade.
- Multimodal Transportation: The city’s integration of port, rail, air, and highway infrastructure supports a range of shipping needs.
- Growing Freight Capacity: Investments in port and airport expansion are enhancing Bellingham’s role as a shipping and distribution center in the Pacific Northwest.
How to Ship Freight to Bellingham
- Gather Shipment Details: Accurately measure and weigh shipments, noting packaging requirements.
- Select a Carrier and Mode: Compare LTL, truckload, rail, or air freight options to find the best fit.
- Prepare Your Freight: Proper packaging ensures protection, especially for long-haul shipments.
- Obtain Quotes and Book Shipments: Work with freight carriers and brokers to secure competitive rates.
- Track and Manage Delivery: Monitor shipments and coordinate delivery at Bellingham’s logistics hubs.
Bellingham’s expanding transportation infrastructure, strategic location, and multimodal connectivity make it an excellent choice for efficient freight movement in the Pacific Northwest.
Get the Best Bellingham Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Bellingham, use our online freight quote tool. Instantly compare rates from over 50 carriers and choose the best option for your needs. Alternatively, call 800.716.7608 to speak with one of our freight experts and receive a custom quote tailored to your shipment.
Make Bellingham your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a city that’s a leader in logistics and transportation.
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