Tacoma
Learn more about shipping freight to and from Tacoma, 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma, FreightCenter delivers tailored solutions to keep your business running efficiently.
Tacoma Freight Shipping
Tacoma, Washington (state), is the third-most-populous city in the state. Situated on the south end of the Puget Sound (a large 95-mile inland estuary connected to the Pacific), the city is known for its historic landmarks, vibrant art and history museums, and for being the home of the University of Washington Tacoma and the T Line, the first modern electric light rail service in the state. Tacoma's economy is heavily reliant on the trade, agriculture, lumber, oil refinery, healthcare, and tourism industries.
The city's logistics and transportation industries revolves around the fact that it is a port city. The Port of Tacoma is an independent seaport that generates nearly $3 billion for Pierce County's economy, and has one of the largest marine cargo operations in the US. The port is also where the city's two Class 1 railroads, BNSF Railway and Union Pacific, operate out of, as does the shortline rail Tacoma Rail, which is owned by the city itself. The residents and businesses of Tacoma rely on automobiles for transportation, making the city's highways and roads extremely important for freight shipping. Finally, the city has access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, located just 18 miles from downtown Tacoma and is served by many cargo airlines, including FedEx and UPS.
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Petroleum (Crude and Refined) Oil and Petroleum Gas
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Frozen vegetables
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Video games and consoles
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Large sized cars
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Scrap and waste
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Large construction vehicles
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Maize
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Frozen fish and meat
As of 2024, Tacoma ranks 19th in total imports in the United States, with imports valued at approximately $33.5 billion. It ranks 58th in total exports, exporting around $8.36 billion. The city primarily trades with China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Listed below are companies headquartered in Tacoma:
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Lollar Pickups manufactures and distributes handmade pickups for electric, steel, and bass guitars.
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Rite in the Rain manufactures waterproof products such as notebooks, planners, printer paper, pens, pouches, and wallets. They are owned by JL Darling LLC.
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Tacoma Abatement Company, LLC inspects, abates, and remedies asbestos and hazardous materials and performs general demolition on contaminated asbestos fibers.
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Tacoma Iron Work manufactures, repairs, and fabricates iron installations like gates, doors, stairways, and balconies.
These companies are crucial to driving the city’s economy, as most are involved in developing and distributing major imports and exports. 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 Tacoma 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.
Tacoma’s Major Highways and Freeways
Several major highways and tollways service the Tacoma Metro area. These include the following:
- I-5
- I-705
- WA SR 7
- WA SR 16
- WA SR 163
- WA SR 167 (Valley Freeway)
- WA SR 509
Tacoma’s Major Ports, Terminals, and Warehouses
The Port of Tacoma is an independent seaport located in downtown Tacoma. It is in a partnership with the Port of Seattle through the Northwest Seaport Alliance, combining marine cargo operations to become collectively the fourth-largest container gateway in the United States.
Port of Tacoma has the following terminals as part of the Alliance:
- TOTE Maritime Alaska Terminal (containers)
- Husky Terminal (containers)
- East Sitcum Terminal
- West Sitcum Terminal (containers)
- Terminal 7 (autos and breakbulk)
- Washington United Terminals (WUT) (containers)
- Blair Terminal (autos)
- East Blair One (EB1) Terminal (autos and breakbulk)
- Pierce County Terminal (containers)
- West Hylebos Terminal
The Port also has 3 intermodal yards, two auto facilities, warehouses, distribution centers, and other real estate for sale. The Port has also been designated as Foreign Trade Zone #86, which allows importers and exporters to defer, reduce, and eliminate Customs duties.
You can find out more about each facility on the Northwest Seaport Alliance’s terminals map.
Tacoma Railroads
Two Class 1 railroads serve the Tacoma metro area: Union Pacific and BNSF Railways. Both have intermodal facilities in the Port of Tacoma, including three on-dock intermodal yards and one near-dock yard operated by Union Pacific. The Port also runs a shortline rail, Tacoma Rail, which is operated by the city of Tacoma and runs through the city as well as south Pierce County.
Tacoma Airports and Commercial Airlines
The nearest airport to Tacoma is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Located about 18 miles north-northeast of downtown Tacoma, it is a major hub for Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines. Its cargo airlines include FedEx and UPS.
Cost to Ship Freight to Tacoma
Several factors influence the cost of shipping to and from Tacoma. This includes:
- Type, size, and weight: Shipping heavy equipment, perishable goods, or specialized cargo will affect pricing. Tacoma offers a variety of shipping options, from standard LTL to temperature-controlled and expedited services, ensuring your freight arrives safely and securely.
- Seasonal changes and demand: Tacoma’s rates fluctuate as much as the seasons change, especially during severe weather events or peak holiday shipping seasons.
- Shipping distance: How far are you shipping your freight? The length between point A and point B will heavily determine your rate. Popular routes to and from Tacoma include major cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Anchorage, where established rates can result in competitive rates.
- What transportation mode is used: How you get your freight to and from Tacoma matters. LTL freight shipping via truck is much cheaper than air or rail shipping. However, it is also riskier and slower than those two, especially when your freight passes through multiple terminals throughout the city.
- Accessorial Charges: Additional services, such as liftgate requirements, residential delivery, or limited access locations, can impact the final shipping price. Tacoma’s vast network of carriers ensures you can find a provider that offers the services you need at the right price.
As one of the busiest logistics hubs in the world, Tacoma offers competitive rates due to its extensive network of freight carriers, proximity to key markets, and multiple transportation options. The city provides flexible and cost-effective solutions tailored to your needs, whether shipping less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL), air cargo, intermodal cargo, or ocean and container drayage.
Why Choose Tacoma for Your Shipping Needs?
Shipping to and from Tacoma offers unique advantages other metropolitan areas with logistics hubs can’t offer:
- Gateway to Asia: The Port of Tacoma is an international gateway to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
- Proximity to Seattle: Tacoma is very close to Seattle, to the point that the city’s businesses can utilize the latter’s logistics and transportation services to ship their freight better.
- Variety of Transportation Options: Truck, air, rail, and ocean; Tacoma’s logistics industry covers all transportation methods. Businesses can pick one mode of transportation or combine them all to create an optimized shipping route to cut down on transportation costs and delivery times.
How to Ship Freight to Tacoma
When shipping from Tacoma, start by gathering accurate information on what you are shipping, like the weight and dimensions, including the packaging. The freight will be handled multiple times at several freight terminals along the way. To protect your shipment during transport, crating an item is recommended.
You can compare Tacoma freight rates with our freight quote tool and find a carrier that meets your pricing and shipping needs. Ask our in-house shipping experts which carrier will be best for your shipment. They will also advise you if any other fees or special services are needed when shipping to Tacoma.
Get the Best Tacoma Freight Rates Today
To find the most competitive rates for shipping freight to or from Tacoma, 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 Tacoma your next shipping destination and experience reliable, cost-effective freight services from a city that’s a leader in logistics and transportation.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
