RATE INDEX

Drayage Rates — Los Angeles / Long Beach

The Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach is the most expensive drayage market in the United States due to California regulatory requirements (CARB compliance, zero-emission mandates), chronic chassis shortages, and the PierPASS Traffic Mitigation Fee on daytime moves. Rates at LA/LB reflect these structural cost factors on top of standard distance-based pricing.

Rate benchmarks are estimates for a standard 40' dry container, local move. Last updated: May 2026. Actual rates vary by carrier and market conditions — always confirm directly.

$285 - $420
BASE RATE
22%
FUEL SURCH.
$35 - $55
CHASSIS SPLIT
+4%
YOY TREND
138
CARRIERS

Surcharges & Fees

CHARGE
AMOUNT
NOTES
PierPASS / Traffic Mitigation Fee
~$35 per TEU
Applied to daytime weekday moves (Mon–Fri, ~8am–6pm). Off-peak moves (nights/weekends) exempt.
CARB Compliance Surcharge
Varies by carrier
Carriers pass through incremental cost of operating CARB-compliant (2010+ engine) or zero-emission equipment.
Chassis Split Fee
$35 - $55
Charged when chassis and container are at different locations, requiring a separate trip.
Port Congestion Surcharge
$50 - $150
Assessed during high-congestion periods. Not always in effect — confirm with carrier at time of booking.
Overweight Surcharge
$75 - $200+
For containers exceeding California weight limits. Requires permit for moves over 80,000 lbs GVW.

Market Context

LA/LB rates have been elevated since the 2020–2022 congestion crisis and have not fully normalized. The port's zero-emission fleet mandate (targeting 100% ZEV drayage by 2035) is beginning to create a two-tier market: carriers operating newer battery-electric equipment command slight premiums, while carriers with older (but CARB-compliant) diesel equipment are pricing competitively to retain volume. Chassis availability, not carrier availability, is the primary rate driver during peak import seasons.

Base Rate
One-way local move, 40' dry container, port to warehouse within 25 miles. No fuel surcharge, chassis, or port fees included.
Fuel Surcharge
Percentage added on top of base rate. Tracks diesel index, updated monthly by most carriers.
Chassis Split
Added when carrier must collect chassis from a separate pool location before the terminal gate.
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