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Intermodal Trucking in San Francisco, CA

Market rates, top lanes, earnings estimates, and freight insights for intermodal owner-operators in San Francisco.

$2.62

Rate / Mile

$22,270

Est. Gross / Month

$14,476

Est. Net / Month

West Coast

Market Region

About Intermodal Trucking

Intermodal drayage involves hauling containers between rail yards, ports, and distribution centers. Short-haul but high-frequency work, concentrated around major rail hubs and port cities.

Intermodal Market in the West Coast

West Coast dry van rates are bolstered by port-driven import freight from Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and Seattle-Tacoma. The sheer volume of containerized imports creates consistent outbound demand, especially eastbound loads. Rates tend to be higher than the national average due to operating costs and the imbalance between inbound (import) and outbound freight. California's regulatory environment adds compliance costs but also limits competition.

Top Intermodal Lanes from San Francisco

1
Los Angeles CA → Phoenix AZ
2
Seattle WA → Portland OR
3
Oakland CA → Reno NV
4
Fresno CA → Los Angeles CA

Why San Francisco for Intermodal

Key Industries

  • Technology (SaaS & cloud)
  • Tourism & hospitality
  • Financial services
  • Food & beverage
  • Retail

Key Highways

US-101I-280I-80 (Bay Bridge)CA-1 (19th Avenue)CA-35 (Skyline Blvd)

Top Shippers

  • Salesforce
  • Gap Inc
  • Williams-Sonoma
  • Levi Strauss

Distribution Centers Near San Francisco

Sysco SF Distribution (South SF)
Amazon SFO5 (South SF)
US Foods distribution
USPS Processing Center (Evans Ave)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in San Francisco?

Compare top dispatch services for intermodal carriers operating in the San Francisco, CA market. Find the right partner for your lanes and equipment.

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Intermodal Trucking in San Francisco — FAQ

The estimated intermodal rate in San Francisco is $2.62 per loaded mile. This reflects the West Coast regional market, local demand, and seasonal conditions. Actual rates vary by lane, broker, and load specifics.
Based on current market estimates, a intermodal owner-operator based in San Francisco can expect approximately $22,270 gross monthly revenue and around $14,476 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.
Top intermodal lanes from the San Francisco market include: Los Angeles CA → Phoenix AZ, Seattle WA → Portland OR, Oakland CA → Reno NV, Fresno CA → Los Angeles CA. These lanes reflect the West Coast freight patterns and may vary by season.
San Francisco is located in the West Coast freight region with key industries including technology (saas & cloud), tourism & hospitality, financial services. Access to US-101, I-280, I-80 (Bay Bridge) provides strong connectivity. Rates are above the national average, making this a strong market.
Key highways for intermodal freight in San Francisco include US-101, I-280, I-80 (Bay Bridge), CA-1 (19th Avenue), CA-35 (Skyline Blvd). These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the West Coast region.

Other Equipment Types in San Francisco

Intermodal in Nearby Markets