What is the minimum cost for a full truckload?

Minimums vary by equipment: dry van starts at $500, flatbed at $700, reefer at $650, step deck at $800, and RGN/lowboy at $1,000. After margin, expect to pay at least $600 for the shortest dry van haul and $1,100+ for specialized equipment.

How much freight fits in a full truckload?

A standard 53-foot dry van holds up to 45,000 lbs and fits 26 standard pallets (48×40 inches). Flatbeds carry up to 48,000 lbs. Reefer trailers hold about 44,500 lbs due to the refrigeration unit. Actual capacity depends on freight density and dimensions.

Is it cheaper to ship truckload or LTL?

Truckload is cheaper per pound for large shipments (typically 10,000+ lbs or 10+ pallets). LTL is more economical for smaller shipments (1-6 pallets). The crossover point is usually around 8-10 pallets where LTL quotes start approaching partial truckload rates.

Why do rates change so much week to week?

Truckload is a spot market. Rates respond to supply (available trucks) and demand (freight volume). Weather events, seasonal produce, retail peaks, and economic conditions all cause fluctuations. Using a broker gives you access to a wider carrier network for more competitive pricing.

What's the difference between truckload and partial truckload?

Full truckload means you're booking the entire trailer exclusively for your freight. Partial truckload shares space with other shipments - you pay for only the space you use (typically 35-87% of full truckload cost depending on size). Partial works well for 6-16 pallets.

What does headhaul vs backhaul mean, and how does it affect my rate?

Headhaul means shipping into a market where freight demand is high (trucks are heading there to pick up loads). Backhaul means shipping out of that market — carriers need loads to avoid driving back empty, so they discount. The same lane can cost 15-30% more in the headhaul direction. For example, outbound from major consumption markets (like the Northeast) is often cheaper than inbound. Your broker can help identify backhaul opportunities to save money.

Cost Guide

How Much Does Truckload Shipping Cost?

Total cost estimates for full truckload shipping by distance and equipment type

Quick Answer: Typical Rates

Reference ranges based on current market conditions

Scenario	Low Range	High Range	Notes
Dry Van, 500 miles	$1,150	$1,400	Most common equipment type
Dry Van, 1,000 miles	$2,250	$2,700	Regional to mid-range haul
Dry Van, 1,500 miles	$3,400	$4,000	Coast-to-coast corridor
Dry Van, cross-country (2,500 mi)	$5,500	$6,500	LA to NY or similar

What Affects Your Cost?

Distance

High Impact

Distance is the biggest driver of total cost. Short hauls (under 300 miles) have higher per-mile rates due to fixed dispatch and driver costs, but lower total cost. Long hauls (1,000+ miles) get the best per-mile rates.

Trailer / Equipment Type

High Impact

Dry van is often the least expensive at ~$1.96/mile. Flatbed runs ~$2.12/mile (8% more). Reefer runs ~$2.18/mile (11% more). Step deck is ~$2.35/mile. Specialized equipment like RGN/lowboy starts at $3.40/mile.

Lane Direction (Headhaul vs Backhaul)

High Impact

The same route costs different amounts in each direction. Shipping into a high-demand market (headhaul) costs more because trucks are competing for loads going that way. Shipping out of that market (backhaul) is cheaper because carriers need loads to avoid returning empty. Directional differences of 15-30% are common — for example, outbound from the Northeast (a net consumption market) is typically cheaper than inbound.

Market Conditions & Seasonality

High Impact

Freight rates fluctuate with supply and demand. Major freight hubs (Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, LA, Houston, Memphis) have the most competitive rates. Produce season (spring/summer) tightens capacity nationwide. Year-end holiday shipping increases demand. Rates on less-traveled routes cost more than high-volume corridors.

Short-Haul Premium

Medium Impact

Loads under 700 miles carry a per-mile premium: 20% under 100 miles, 18% at 100-200 miles, tapering to 5% at 600-700 miles. This reflects fixed costs that don't scale with distance.

Extra Stops

Medium Impact

Each additional pickup or delivery adds to the cost: $175 for the first extra stop, $275 for the second, $375 for the third, and $400 each beyond that. Base rate includes one pickup and one delivery.

Equipment & Accessorials

Low Impact

Common add-ons: team drivers (+$0.50/mile + $500 flat), load bars ($0.85/mile), tarps ($50-150), liftgate ($100), pallet jack ($100). These add to the base freight cost.

Example Pricing Scenarios

Consumer goods, regional

Dry van, 35,000 lbs packaged goods, Chicago to Indianapolis (185 miles)

Estimated Cost:$600 - $750 (minimum charge applies)

Retail distribution

Dry van, 40,000 lbs, Atlanta to Dallas (780 miles)

Estimated Cost:$1,600 - $1,900

Building materials on flatbed

Flatbed, 42,000 lbs lumber, Portland to Denver (1,250 miles)

Estimated Cost:$2,900 - $3,400

Frozen food, cross-country

Reefer at -10°F, 38,000 lbs, Los Angeles to New York (2,800 miles)

Estimated Cost:$6,500 - $7,800

Ways to Save Money

Book 3-5 days ahead - last-minute loads cost 15-30% more

Be flexible on dates to let carriers match your load with backhaul opportunities

Maximize trailer utilization - a full load costs the same as a half-full one

Ship mid-week (Tue-Thu) when capacity is typically better

Consider partial truckload if you have 12-32 linear feet of freight

Avoid peak seasons or book early when you know seasonal needs

Have freight ready and docks clear for quick loading to avoid detention fees

Use standard equipment when possible - specialized trailers cost significantly more

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

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