What's a Good Rate Per Mile in 2026?
Real 2026 rate-per-mile benchmarks by trailer type and lane, plus how to use your true CPM to decide what 'good' actually 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 national averages are lies if you apply them to your truck without doing two things first.
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
Average CPM for owner-operators in 2026 sits around $1.85–$2.10 all-in. If your true 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 CPM here.
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.