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Intermodal Trucking in San Diego, CA

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

$2.47

Rate / Mile

$20,995

Est. Gross / Month

$13,647

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 Diego

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

Why San Diego for Intermodal

Key Industries

  • Defense & military (Navy)
  • Biotechnology & pharma
  • Cross-border manufacturing
  • Tourism
  • Telecommunications

Key Highways

I-5I-8I-15I-805SR-94SR-78

Top Shippers

  • Port of LA/Long Beach
  • Amazon (20+ FCs)
  • Walmart DCs
  • Costco

Distribution Centers Near San Diego

Amazon SAN3 (Otay Mesa)
FedEx Ground (Poway)
Sysco San Diego
McLane Food Service (Vista)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in San Diego?

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

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Intermodal Trucking in San Diego — FAQ

The estimated intermodal rate in San Diego is $2.47 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 Diego can expect approximately $20,995 gross monthly revenue and around $13,647 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.
Top intermodal lanes from the San Diego 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 Diego is located in the West Coast freight region with key industries including defense & military (navy), biotechnology & pharma, cross-border manufacturing. Access to I-5, I-8, I-15 provides strong connectivity. Rates are competitive with the national average.
Key highways for intermodal freight in San Diego include I-5, I-8, I-15, I-805, SR-94, SR-78. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the West Coast region.

Other Equipment Types in San Diego

Intermodal in Nearby Markets