Shipping Los Angeles to Seattle (2026)
Shipping Los Angeles to Seattle (2026)
Shipping from Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA spans approximately 1,140 miles along the West Coast. Packages travel up the I-5 corridor through California, Oregon, and into Washington state. This mid-distance route offers moderate rates and ground transit times in the 3-5 day range. Both cities serve as major carrier hub markets, which keeps service reliable and options plentiful.
Carrier Comparison
| Carrier | Service | ~Rate (3 lb) | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | Priority Mail | ~$11.60 | 2-3 days |
| USPS | Ground Advantage | ~$8.00 | 3-5 days |
| UPS | Ground | ~$13.20 | 3-4 days |
| UPS | 2nd Day Air | ~$27.00 | 2 days |
| FedEx | Ground | ~$12.80 | 3-4 days |
| FedEx | Express Saver | ~$25.50 | 2-3 days |
| FedEx | 2Day | ~$30.00 | 2 days |
Cheapest Option by Package Size
- Under 1 lb: USPS First-Class Mail at ~$4.40 keeps costs low for lightweight packages over this 1,140-mile corridor.
- 1-5 lbs: USPS Ground Advantage at ~$7.00-$11.00 delivers the cheapest standard rate with 3-5 day transit.
- 5-20 lbs: FedEx Ground and UPS Ground range from ~$14.50-$26.00. Both carriers run direct service along the I-5 corridor with strong reliability.
- 20-50 lbs: UPS Ground runs ~$28.00-$48.00, with FedEx Ground priced similarly for this mid-range distance.
- Over 50 lbs: Freight services starting at ~$58.00 are the most economical option for heavy shipments between these two West Coast hubs.
Delivery Time Comparison
| Service Level | USPS | UPS | FedEx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy/Ground | 3-5 days | 3-4 days | 3-4 days |
| Expedited | 2-3 days | 2 days | 2-3 days |
| 2-Day | N/A | 2 days | 2 days |
| Overnight | Priority Mail Express 1-2 days | Next Day Air 1 day | Standard Overnight 1 day |
Ground shipments follow the I-5 corridor through Portland before reaching Seattle. UPS and FedEx both maintain distribution hubs in the Pacific Northwest, which helps keep ground transit on the shorter end of the quoted window. USPS Ground Advantage can stretch to 5 days because packages may route through regional sorting facilities rather than taking the most direct path.
Tips for This Route
- Explore regional carrier options. OnTrac operates throughout the West Coast and frequently offers lower rates than national carriers on the LA-to-Seattle lane. This is especially true for business shippers with regular volume.
- Account for Pacific Northwest weather. Seattle receives heavy rain from October through April, and mountain passes along the route can see winter storms. Add a day to ground estimates during peak winter months.
- Ground is often fast enough. At 3-4 days via UPS or FedEx Ground, this route is faster than many domestic lanes. Reserve express services for genuinely time-critical shipments.
- Pack with moisture in mind. Packages arriving in Seattle are likely to encounter rain during last-mile delivery. Use water-resistant inner packaging or poly bags to protect contents.
Key Takeaways
- At 1,140 miles, this mid-distance West Coast route offers 3-4 day ground transit via UPS and FedEx.
- USPS Ground Advantage starts at ~$7.00 for packages under 5 lbs, the cheapest standard option on this route.
- USPS Priority Mail at ~$11.60 for a 3 lb package provides 2-3 day delivery at a moderate price.
- Regional carriers like OnTrac can offer significant savings on this well-traveled West Coast corridor.
Next Steps
- USPS Rate Guide — Calculate USPS rates for your package on this West Coast route.
- Compare Shipping Services — View all carrier options for LA-to-Seattle shipments side by side.
- Best Shipping for Heavy Packages — Find the best rates for heavier parcels traveling up the coast.
Shipping rates are estimates based on published carrier rates and may vary. Verify current rates with your carrier.