Average Truckload Rate

The average truckload rate is the typical cost charged by carriers to move a full truckload of freight, usually quoted per mile.

Examples: A Midwest-to-Texas dry van lane averaging $2.05 per mile, or refrigerated truckload rates spiking during produce season.

Advantages: Provides shippers and carriers with a benchmark for negotiating contracts and spot market pricing.

Challenges: Rates fluctuate daily based on fuel prices, driver availability, seasonality, and economic demand.

Real-world example: DAT Freight & Analytics publishes weekly average truckload rates for dry van, reefer, and flatbed markets.

Explain like I’m five: It’s like the price of gas going up or down — except here it’s the price for renting the whole truck.

FAQ: Can truckload rates be locked in? Yes, through annual or quarterly contracts, but they may still include fuel surcharges.

Bottom line: Knowing the average truckload rate helps shippers budget and negotiate better, but volatility makes it essential to track trends regularly.