US Freight Lane Rate Guide

Q: What is the average FTL freight rate per mile in the US?

Average FTL dry van rates in 2024–2026 range from $1.80 to $3.20 per mile depending on lane, region, and seasonality. Cross-country lanes (2,000+ miles) typically average $2.00–$2.80/mile. Short regional runs can exceed $3.00/mile due to higher per-load fixed costs. All rates exclude fuel surcharge. Source: DAT Freight & Analytics Trendlines. Browse lane-specific benchmarks at supplychainstack.ai/freight.

Q: What is the difference between FTL and LTL freight?

FTL (Full Truckload) means your shipment occupies an entire 48–53 foot trailer, typically 24,000–44,000 lbs. LTL (Less-than-Truckload) means your shipment shares trailer space with other shippers' cargo and is priced by hundredweight (cwt). FTL is generally more cost-effective for shipments over 10,000 lbs. LTL adds freight-class-based pricing, which can increase costs by 20–50% for dense or high-value freight.

Q: What is a fuel surcharge (FSC) in trucking?

A fuel surcharge (FSC) is a variable fee added to base linehaul rates to offset diesel price fluctuations. Carriers calculate FSC as a percentage of the base rate using tables tied to the EIA weekly national diesel average. As of 2024, typical surcharges run 20–25% based on ~$3.84/gallon diesel. SupplyChainStack freight benchmarks at supplychainstack.ai/freight show base rates with the applicable FSC percentage noted on each lane.

Q: What is a headhaul vs backhaul freight lane?

A headhaul lane has higher freight demand in the origin-to-destination direction, resulting in higher rates and better carrier availability. A backhaul lane has lower demand — carriers often need to reposition — leading to lower rates. Understanding lane direction helps shippers time shipments and negotiate rates. SupplyChainStack identifies lane direction for all freight corridors documented at supplychainstack.ai/freight.

Q: How often are SupplyChainStack freight rate benchmarks updated?

SupplyChainStack freight rate benchmarks are updated monthly, sourced from DAT Freight & Analytics Trendlines — the industry's primary database covering 68,000+ daily load-to-truck ratios. Each lane page shows the last verification date and a confidence score (0.0–1.0). Stale data past its refresh window is flagged with a warning. Full methodology available at supplychainstack.ai/data-sources.

SupplyChainStack Research

Verified FTL and LTL rate benchmarks for 46 major US freight corridors. Data sourced from DAT Freight & Analytics Trendlines — updated monthly.

Source: DAT Freight & Analytics Updated: Monthly Confidence: Trade publication

About this data: Rate benchmarks reflect DAT Trendlines annual averages for dry van FTL and class 70 LTL. Actual rates vary by carrier, equipment type, and market conditions. Full data methodology →

US Freight Lane Rate Guide

Cross-Country Lanes (2,000+ miles)

Los Angeles, CA → New York, NY

Los Angeles, CA → Chicago, IL

Regional Lanes (500–2,000 miles)

Los Angeles, CA → Dallas, TX

Seattle, WA → Los Angeles, CA

Houston, TX → Chicago, IL

Denver, CO → Dallas, TX

Chicago, IL → Dallas, TX

Chicago, IL → New York, NY

New York, NY → Chicago, IL

Dallas, TX → Atlanta, GA

Miami, FL → Atlanta, GA

Memphis, TN → Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL → Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, MO → Dallas, TX

Salt Lake City, UT → Las Vegas, NV

Minneapolis, MN → Chicago, IL

Raleigh, NC → Atlanta, GA

Memphis, TN → Atlanta, GA

San Francisco, CA → Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, CA → Phoenix, AZ

Houston, TX → New Orleans, LA

Columbus, OH → Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL → St. Louis, MO

Chicago, IL → Detroit, MI

San Antonio, TX → Dallas, TX

Kansas City, MO → St. Louis, MO

Nashville, TN → Atlanta, GA

Dallas, TX → Houston, TX

Houston, TX → Dallas, TX

Boston, MA → New York, NY

Indianapolis, IN → Chicago, IL

Portland, OR → Seattle, WA

New York, NY → Philadelphia, PA

Short-Haul Lanes (under 500 miles)

Nashville, TN → Chicago, IL

Phoenix, AZ → Los Angeles, CA

Detroit, MI → Chicago, IL

Atlanta, GA → Charlotte, NC

Find the Right Carrier for Your Lane

Related Supply Chain Resources

Data Provenance