Bakersfield, CA to Sacramento, CA
275-mile freight corridor via CA-99 and I-5 N through the Central Valley, the most productive agricultural region in the world. Same day (4-5 hours) transit. Moderate difficulty.
Distance
275 mi
Transit Time
Same day (4-5 hours)
Difficulty
Toll Cost
$0
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.10 | $577.5 |
| Reefer | $2.80 | $770 |
| Flatbed | $2.60 | $715 |
Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.
Route Details
Recommended Route
CA-99 and I-5 N through the Central Valley, the most productive agricultural region in the world
Fuel Stops
2 recommended
Tolls
$0
Common Freight Types
Backhaul Information
Good Backhaul Availability
Average backhaul rate: $1.75/mi
Common return cargo: Agricultural equipment, fertilizer, packaging materials, farm supplies
Key Stops Along the Route
Bakersfield, CA
Origin
Delano, CA
Tulare, CA
Fresno, CA
Madera, CA
Merced, CA
Modesto, CA
Stockton, CA
Sacramento, CA
Destination
Seasonal Trends
The Central Valley produces 25% of US food on 1% of US farmland. Peak produce season March-October with different crops staggering: citrus (January-May), stone fruit (May-September), grapes/raisins (August-November), nuts (September-November). Winter is the 'slow' season but still busy with citrus and dairy.
Trucker Tips for This Lane
Reefer temperature requirements vary by commodity. Verify exact temp settings -- many claims result from incorrect reefer temps.
Tulare County produces more dairy than any county in the US. Dairy reefer loads are year-round and consistent.
CA-99 is a two-lane highway in many sections with heavy farm equipment traffic. Budget extra time.
Fresno and Stockton are major ag shipping hubs with extensive cold storage. Good staging points.
Tule fog in the Central Valley (November-March) is extremely dangerous. Visibility drops to near-zero. Do not drive in it.