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Full truckload shipping is priced by the mile, not by weight or freight class. You are buying the trailer - the entire capacity of a 53-foot or 48-foot truck, dedicated to your freight, moving directly from origin to destination without terminal stops or consolidation with other shippers’ loads.
In mid-2026, dry van FTL spot rates average USD $2.05–$2.80 per mile nationally, with contract rates ranging from $1.80–$2.50 per mile. All-in rates including fuel surcharges are running $2.54–$3.59 per mile for dry van, $3.62–$3.75 for reefer, and up to $4.27 for flatbed. For Canadian domestic FTL, rates range from approximately CAD $1,500 for a regional dry van move to CAD $6,000 or more coast-to-coast.
This guide breaks down what drives FTL pricing, provides current rate benchmarks by equipment type, covers Canadian and cross-border cost factors, and explains how to reduce your truckload costs.
For a complete overview of how FTL works, read our Full Truckload Shipping Guide.
How FTL Pricing Works
FTL pricing is fundamentally simpler than LTL. Where LTL builds a rate from freight class, weight per hundredweight, terminal charges, and a web of accessorials, FTL starts with one number: the rate per mile. That per-mile rate is multiplied by the total distance, then fuel surcharges and any applicable accessorials are added on top.
The key structural difference: FTL rates include the driver’s return trip. Even if the truck comes back empty, the carrier has to cover the fuel, driver wages, and equipment time for both legs. This is called deadhead, and it is one of the biggest reasons FTL rates vary by lane. A route with strong freight in both directions (balanced lane) prices lower than a route where the carrier deadheads back without a load.
The other structural difference: you are buying capacity, not space. Whether your freight fills the trailer completely or occupies half of it, the rate is the same. You are paying for the exclusive use of the truck, not for the weight or volume of what is on it.
Compare FTL and LTL pricing structures.
What Determines Your FTL Rate
Distance and Lane
Distance is the single largest factor. A 500-mile FTL shipment costs roughly half of a 1,000-mile shipment on the same lane, all else equal. But the per-mile rate decreases on longer hauls because fixed costs (equipment positioning, driver time for pickup and delivery, administrative overhead) amortize over more miles. Short hauls under 250 miles often hit flat minimum charges rather than per-mile rates, making them disproportionately expensive on a per-mile basis.
Lane balance matters as much as distance. A 500-mile haul on a balanced lane (strong freight flowing in both directions) will price lower than the same 500 miles on an outbound-heavy lane where the carrier deadheads back empty. Carriers price the round trip, not just the outbound leg.
Equipment Type
Dry van is the base rate - the most common, most available, and least expensive equipment type. Flatbed commands a 30–50% premium over dry van because it requires specialized loading (crane, forklift from the top or sides), additional securement (strapping, tarping), and a smaller equipment pool. Reefer adds 10–25% over dry van because the refrigeration unit consumes additional diesel and the carrier pool for temperature-controlled equipment is tighter. Step-deck, conestoga, and RGN (removable gooseneck) trailers are priced individually based on equipment scarcity and load requirements.
Spot vs Contract Rates
Spot rates are one-time, market-driven prices for individual loads. They fluctuate daily based on supply and demand. Contract rates are negotiated in advance with committed volume over a fixed period - typically quarterly or annually. In normal market conditions, contract rates run 10–20% below spot. In mid-2026, the spot-contract gap has been narrowing as contract renewals catch up to sustained spot market strength. According to C.H. Robinson, their 2026 dry van rate forecast was raised from 4% to 6% year-over-year growth, reflecting stronger-than-expected contract renewal pricing.
Fuel Surcharges
Fuel surcharges are a percentage of the linehaul charge, indexed to the Department of Energy’s national average diesel price and adjusted weekly. According to S&S Brokerage’s 2026 analysis, fuel surcharges typically add 15–28% to the base rate. When you see an “all-in” rate, fuel is included. When you see a “linehaul” rate, fuel is separate and must be added. Always confirm which you are being quoted.
For Canadian domestic FTL, diesel averaged CAD $2.17 per litre as of May 2026, with the federal carbon levy adding approximately 17.6 cents per litre. Canadian fuel surcharges are calculated on the same principle but indexed to Canadian diesel benchmarks rather than DOE.
Seasonal Demand
FTL rates are seasonal. Q2 produce season (May–September) tightens reefer and dry van capacity simultaneously as agricultural freight competes with commercial freight for available trucks. Q4 retail surge (October–December) creates the year’s tightest dry van market as retailers stock for the holiday season. Flatbed demand surges with spring and summer construction activity. During peak periods, spot rates can spike 10–20% above off-season levels.
Dwell Time and Accessorials
FTL accessorials are simpler than LTL but can still add meaningful cost. Detention charges apply when the driver waits beyond the standard free time (typically two hours) for loading or unloading - often $50–$100 per additional hour. Lumper fees ($50–$300) apply when the consignee requires hired labor to unload the truck. Multi-stop charges ($100–$250 per additional stop) apply when the FTL delivers to more than one location. TONU (truck ordered, not used) charges ($200–$500) apply if a carrier dispatches a truck and the shipper cancels. Hazmat, tarping, and team driver services each carry their own premiums.
Read more about accessorial charges.
FTL Cost Benchmarks (2026)
Dry Van FTL Rates
Dry van remains the highest-volume and most competitively priced FTL equipment type. DAT reported the national average dry van spot rate at $2.68 per mile in April 2026. S&S Brokerage’s 2026 analysis shows spot rates ranging $2.05–$2.80 per mile, with contract rates at $1.80–$2.50. By June, IEL Freight reported the all-in dry van rate (including fuel) at $3.59 per mile. Outbound dry van rejection rates in Georgia reached 29% - approximately three times the levels from the same period in 2025 - indicating sustained capacity tightness.
For a rough budget estimate: a 500-mile dry van FTL costs approximately $1,000–$1,400 at current spot rates. A 1,000-mile move runs $2,000–$2,800. A 2,000-mile cross-country haul is $4,000–$5,600.
Flatbed FTL Rates
Flatbed is the highest-priced standard equipment type in 2026. DAT reported the national flatbed spot rate at $3.46 per mile in April. By June, IEL Freight reported $4.27 per mile all-in with fuel. DAT’s load-to-truck ratio data shows flatbed capacity 81.6% tighter year over year, driven by data center construction, infrastructure spending, and structural steel demand. A 500-mile flatbed FTL costs approximately $1,700–$2,100 at current spot rates. A 1,000-mile move runs $3,500–$4,300.
Reefer FTL Rates
Reefer FTL is running at multi-year highs in mid-2026, driven by peak produce season and structural capacity constraints. DAT reported the national reefer spot rate at $3.12 per mile in April. By June, IEL Freight reported $3.62–$3.75 per mile all-in. ACT Research’s March analysis confirmed that reefer capacity is no longer loosening meaningfully. California reefer rejection rates are approaching 30%. A 500-mile reefer FTL costs approximately $1,500–$1,900 at current spot rates. A 1,000-mile move runs $3,100–$3,800.
For reefer LTL pricing, see How Much Does Reefer LTL Shipping Cost.
Canadian Domestic FTL Rates (CAD)
Canadian FTL rates are not published with the same transparency as US rates, but directional benchmarks can be established from verified sources. ACT Research’s May 2026 analysis shows Canadian rates firmer than earlier in the cycle, supported by tighter capacity, a smaller Class 8 fleet year over year, and support from firmer US cross-border pricing.
For dry van FTL in Canada: regional moves under 500 km cost approximately CAD $1,500–$2,500. Long-haul Ontario to Western Canada costs approximately CAD $3,000–$5,000. Coast-to-coast (Toronto to Vancouver, approximately 4,400 km) runs CAD $4,500–$6,000 or more. Flatbed and reefer equipment add 10–25% or more to these dry van benchmarks. Cross-border FTL from Ontario to the US Northeast or Midwest adds customs brokerage, potential duties, and a 15–30% premium over equivalent domestic distance.
Cross-Border FTL Cost Adds (Canada ↔ U.S.)
Cross-border FTL shipments between Canada and the United States incur several cost layers beyond the domestic linehaul rate.
The cross-border linehaul premium adds 15–30% above a comparable domestic lane distance, reflecting the additional transit time for customs processing, compliance risk, and the operational complexity of coordinating on both sides of the border.
Customs brokerage fees add $50–$250 per entry for filing the documentation, classifying the goods, and managing CBSA or CBP queries. Duties apply if the goods do not qualify for CUSMA duty-free treatment: the 10% Section 122 tariff for non-CUSMA goods, plus 25% Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and certain other commodities regardless of CUSMA status. Canadian GST of 5% is assessed on the goods plus duty plus freight value at the border.
Currency also adds variance. FTL rates may be quoted in USD or CAD depending on the carrier and broker. Exchange rate fluctuations between quoting and invoicing can affect total landed cost by 2–5%. If the driver is delayed at the border waiting for customs clearance, the clock runs on their hours of service - which can push the delivery into the next day and affect receiving appointments.
Full cross-border freight guide.
FTL vs LTL: When Does Full Truckload Become Cheaper?
FTL becomes cost-competitive with LTL at approximately 50% of trailer capacity, which translates to roughly 10–12 pallets for most freight profiles. Below that threshold, LTL is almost always cheaper because you are paying only for the space your freight occupies. Above it, FTL often wins because the total cost of individual LTL pallet rates exceeds the cost of booking the entire trailer.
In a tight capacity market like mid-2026, the crossover point can drop to 8 pallets or lower because LTL rates are under more upward pressure than FTL in relative terms. Tender rejection rates above 10% mean LTL carriers are turning away contracted freight in favor of higher-paying spot loads, which pushes LTL pricing up.
For shipments in the 6–12 pallet range, the best practice is to quote both modes on every load. The math changes by lane and by week. Freightzy quotes LTL and FTL side by side so your freight specialist can recommend the option that actually costs less for your specific shipment.
Read more about the Full LTL vs FTL comparison.
Unsure what you need? Quote both LTL and FTL freight shipping.
How to Reduce Your FTL Shipping Costs
Build contract lanes on your most consistent routes. If you ship the same lane every week or every month, committed volume unlocks contract rates that are 10–20% below spot. Even modest volume commitments - a few loads per month - can qualify for better pricing than one-off spot quotes.
Ship on balanced lanes where possible. Carriers price the round trip, not just the outbound. If your freight moves on a corridor with strong freight flowing in both directions, the carrier does not need to price deadhead into the rate. Ontario to the US Midwest is a balanced lane. Alberta to the Maritimes is not. Where you have lane choice, the balanced option will almost always be cheaper.
Reduce dwell time at your facilities. Drivers who sit at your dock for three hours waiting to load are drivers who cannot take another load that day. Carriers track facility performance and price accordingly. Fast loading and unloading (under two hours) avoids detention charges and makes your facility attractive to carriers, which improves the rates you are offered.
Be flexible on dates when your freight allows it. Shipping one day earlier or later can save 5–10% if it avoids a capacity crunch or falls on a day when the carrier has better routing options. Rigid pickup dates limit the carrier’s flexibility and that constraint is priced in.
Use a broker with aggregated volume. Freightzy combines FTL volume across hundreds of shippers, creating buying power that individual businesses cannot match by going direct to carriers. The combined volume gives smaller shippers access to contract-level pricing on lanes they would not have enough volume to negotiate independently.
Avoid peak-season spot when your freight is not time-critical. Q2 produce season and Q4 retail surge are predictable. If you can shift non-urgent shipments to shoulder periods (March, early May, September, January), you avoid the tightest and most expensive weeks of the year.
Get an FTL Quote
Full truckload rates depend on your specific lane, equipment, and timing. The fastest way to know your cost is to quote it. Freightzy compares FTL rates across 100+ vetted carriers - dry van, flatbed, reefer, step-deck, or specialized - and your freight specialist recommends the best option for every load.
Get an FTL shipping quote.
Talk to a Freight Specialist, contact us.
FAQ: About Full Truckload Shipping Costs
How much does full truckload shipping cost per mile?
In mid-2026, dry van FTL spot rates average USD $2.05–$2.80 per mile nationally. Contract rates for committed volume run $1.80–$2.50 per mile. All-in rates including fuel surcharges are $2.54–$3.59 per mile for dry van, $3.62–$3.75 for reefer, and up to $4.27 for flatbed. Canadian domestic rates are quoted in CAD per trip rather than per mile and vary by corridor.
How much does it cost to ship a full truckload?
A 500-mile dry van FTL costs approximately USD $1,000–$1,400 at mid-2026 spot rates. A 1,000-mile move runs $2,000–$2,800. A 2,000-mile cross-country shipment costs $4,000–$5,600. For Canadian domestic FTL, regional dry van moves (under 500 km) cost approximately CAD $1,500–$2,500, and coast-to-coast (Toronto to Vancouver) costs CAD $4,500–$6,000+. Flatbed and reefer equipment adds 10–50% depending on type.
What is the cheapest FTL equipment type?
Dry van is the least expensive FTL equipment type because it has the largest available fleet and the broadest carrier competition. Flatbed is the most expensive standard equipment type (30–50% above dry van) due to specialized loading requirements and a smaller equipment pool. Reefer falls in between, typically 10–25% above dry van.
Are FTL rates going up in 2026?
Yes. C.H. Robinson raised their 2026 dry van rate forecast from 4% to 6% year-over-year growth. FTR Transportation Intelligence reports dry van spot rates up 55% year over year. The market is in a supply-driven recovery: carrier exits, fleet contraction, and driver shortages are tightening capacity even without broad demand growth. Rates are expected to remain firm through Q3 2026, with additional pressure from produce season and pre-holiday stocking.
How much does cross-border FTL cost (Canada ↔ US)?
Cross-border FTL from Ontario to the US Northeast or Midwest costs approximately CAD $2,500–$4,500 for dry van, plus customs brokerage fees ($50–$250), potential duties (10% Section 122 for non-CUSMA goods, 25% Section 232 for steel/aluminum), and Canadian GST (5%). The cross-border linehaul premium adds 15–30% above the equivalent domestic distance.
When is FTL cheaper than LTL?
FTL becomes cost-competitive with LTL at approximately 10–12 pallets or 50% of trailer capacity. In a tight market, the crossover can drop to 8 pallets. For shipments of 6–12 pallets, always quote both modes and compare - the answer changes by lane and by week.
How do I get an FTL rate?
Use Freightzy’s shipping calculator to enter your origin, destination, weight, and equipment type. We compare FTL rates across 100+ vetted carriers and present the best options by price, transit time, and service. Your freight specialist can also build a custom quote for complex or multi-stop loads.
