What's a Good Rate Per Mile in 2026?
2026 rate-per-mile market ranges by trailer type and lane, plus how to use your own CPM to judge what 'good' means for your truck.
In 2026, dry van spot rates are running roughly $1.95–$2.40 per loaded mile, reefers $2.20–$2.80, and flatbeds $2.40–$3.10 — but those are market observations, not your numbers — applying them to your truck without doing two things first will cost you money.
Rule 1 — Use total miles, not loaded miles
A 20% deadhead ratio drops a $2.40 loaded rate to roughly $2.00 per total mile. That is the number you should compare to your CPM, not the headline.
Rule 2 — Compare to YOUR cost per mile
There is no universal average CPM to compare against, so use your own two numbers: Truck Operating CPM (direct operating costs) and Fully Loaded Business CPM (operating plus owner pay, permits/admin, taxes and reserves). Example only: if your Fully Loaded Business CPM is $2.05 and the load pays $2.00 per total mile, that is a losing load — even if it looks good on the board. Calculate your real cost per mile.
Rate ranges by region
Rates vary by state and lane. See state pages for Texas, California, Georgia, and Illinois.
Use the AI Load Advisor
Pump in the actual rate, miles, and deadhead and let our AI Load Advisor tell you if it clears your true cost.