Freight Rates for Owners Operates. These are industry averages and vary by equipment type, haul distance, and market conditions.
Average Per-Mile Freight Rates Average Per-Mile Freight Rates
(U.S. Market, 2025–2026)
Dry Van (standard freight)
• Spot market: around $2.00–$2.30 per mile
• Contract (longer-term) rates can be slightly higher (e.g., ~$2.30–$2.50)
Reefer (temperature-controlled)
• Spot: roughly $2.25–$2.75 per mile
Flatbed (specialized loads)
• Spot: around $2.50–$3.00 per mile, sometimes higher on heavy or difficult lanes
Specialized / oversized / hotshot freight
• Can command $3.00–$4.50+ per mile depending on complexity and demand
Freight Rates for Owners Operates
How Owner-Operators Typically Set or Negotiate Their Rates
Cost-Based Minimums
Smart O/O operators calculate a break-even rate — how much you must earn per mile to cover all costs — then add a profit margin:
- Absolute Minimum: cover all operating costs + a small cushion
- Target Minimum: break-even + 15–20% profit
- Premium Rate: top-tier loads you actively pursue
Gross vs. Net Rates Explained
- Gross rate: what the shipper/broker pays ÷ loaded miles
- Net rate: includes deadhead/empty miles — more realistic for profit evaluation
- Revenue per mile (RPM): total revenue ÷ total miles over time
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