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Intermodal Trucking in Seattle, WA

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

$2.58

Rate / Mile

$21,930

Est. Gross / Month

$14,255

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 Seattle

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

Why Seattle for Intermodal

Key Industries

  • E-commerce (Amazon)
  • Aerospace (Boeing)
  • Technology
  • Coffee & food
  • Retail

Key Highways

I-5I-90I-405SR-99SR-167SR-18

Top Shippers

  • Amazon
  • Boeing
  • Costco
  • Starbucks

Distribution Centers Near Seattle

Amazon HQ & BFI4 (Kent)
Boeing Everett Factory
Costco Corporate HQ & DC (Issaquah)
Starbucks Roasting Plant (Kent)
REI Distribution Center (Sumner)
Nordstrom DC (Cedar Rapids — regional feeder)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in Seattle?

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

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Intermodal Trucking in Seattle — FAQ

The estimated intermodal rate in Seattle is $2.58 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 Seattle can expect approximately $21,930 gross monthly revenue and around $14,255 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.
Top intermodal lanes from the Seattle 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.
Seattle is located in the West Coast freight region with key industries including e-commerce (amazon), aerospace (boeing), technology. Access to I-5, I-90, I-405 provides strong connectivity. Rates are above the national average, making this a strong market.
Key highways for intermodal freight in Seattle include I-5, I-90, I-405, SR-99, SR-167, SR-18. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the West Coast region.

Other Equipment Types in Seattle

Intermodal in Nearby Markets