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Sacramento, CA to Portland, OR

580-mile freight corridor via I-5 N through the Sacramento Valley, over Mt. Shasta and Siskiyou Pass, through the Willamette Valley. 1-2 days transit. Moderate difficulty.

Distance

580 mi

Transit Time

1-2 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Toll Cost

$0

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/MileEst. Total
Dry Van$2.35$1,363
Reefer$2.80$1,624
Flatbed$3.00$1,740

Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.

Route Details

Recommended Route

I-5 N through the Sacramento Valley, over Mt. Shasta and Siskiyou Pass, through the Willamette Valley

Fuel Stops

3 recommended

Tolls

$0

Common Freight Types

ProduceTimberConsumer GoodsBeverages

Backhaul Information

Good Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $2.10/mi

Common return cargo: Timber, Nike/Columbia Sportswear from Portland, craft beverages, electronics

Key Stops Along the Route

Sacramento, CA

Origin

Redding, CA

Weed, CA

Medford, OR

Roseburg, OR

Eugene, OR

Salem, OR

Portland, OR

Destination

Seasonal Trends

California produce loads peak March-October creating strong southbound backhaul. Siskiyou Pass closures in winter can add 4-8 hour delays. Summer wildfire season (July-October) can cause road closures and air quality issues. Oregon Christmas tree season drives November-December reefer loads.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

1

Siskiyou Pass is the most treacherous section. Chain controls are frequent November-April and the grade is steep on both sides.

2

Oregon does not have self-serve gas, but diesel at truck stops is exempt. You can fuel yourself at card-lock and truck stop diesel islands.

3

Sacramento's agricultural shippers in the Valley often have cheap produce loads that can fill deadhead miles heading south.

4

Eugene and Salem have growing distribution sectors. Check for reload opportunities if not running back to CA.

5

Wildfires can close I-5 near Medford/Grants Pass in summer. Monitor OregonDOT TripCheck for real-time alerts.

Sacramento to Portland FAQ

Current average rates on the Sacramento, CA to Portland, OR lane are approximately $2.35/mi for dry van, $2.80/mi for reefer, and $3.00/mi for flatbed. Rates fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and market demand. The most common equipment types on this lane are Dry Van, Reefer, Flatbed.
The 580-mile route from Sacramento, CA to Portland, OR typically takes 1-2 days. The recommended route is I-5 N through the Sacramento Valley, over Mt. Shasta and Siskiyou Pass, through the Willamette Valley. Actual transit time depends on weather, traffic, HOS compliance, and whether you run solo or team. Plan for 3 fuel stops along the way.
Yes, backhaul availability on the return trip is good. Average backhaul rates run around $2.10/mi. Common backhaul cargo includes Timber, Nike/Columbia Sportswear from Portland, craft beverages, electronics. Check DAT, Truckstop, and local brokers for the best return loads.
Estimated toll costs on the Sacramento, CA to Portland, OR corridor are $0. This is a toll-free corridor, which helps protect your margins.

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