One of the most common mistakes cargo van and sprinter van operators make is bidding by feel instead of using rate benchmarks. A load may look good at first, but once you factor in fuel, deadhead, tolls, and where the load drops you, the profit may be much smaller than expected.
This guide breaks down cargo van rates per mile by distance so you can bid smarter and avoid running cheap freight.
How Cargo Van Rates Work
Cargo van rates are not the same at every distance. Short hauls usually pay more per mile because they still require the same pickup time, paperwork, broker communication, and delivery effort as longer loads.
Longer loads usually pay less per mile, but they generate more total revenue. The key is understanding both the rate per mile and the total load payout.
Cargo Van Rates by Distance
The following rate ranges come from the Expedite Load Board cargo van pricing guide.
Short Hauls
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Under 100 miles: $200 to $250 minimum
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100 miles: $200 to $300 total, or $2.00 to $3.00 per mile
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150 to 200 miles: $250 to $350 total, or $1.67 to $1.75 per mile
Short hauls should almost always have a minimum. A 50-mile load at $1.00 per mile is only $50. That does not make sense for an expedite carrier. The minimum protects your time and operating cost.
Mid-Range Loads
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250 miles: $325 to $375 total, or $1.30 to $1.50 per mile
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300 miles: $400 to $425 total, or $1.33 to $1.42 per mile
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400 miles: $475 to $500 total, or $1.19 to $1.25 per mile
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500 miles: $550 to $625 total, or $1.10 to $1.25 per mile
Mid-range loads can be some of the best runs for cargo van operators because they offer meaningful revenue without tying up the truck for too long.
Long Hauls
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600 miles: $650 to $725 total, or $1.08 to $1.21 per mile
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700 miles: $750 to $780 total, or $1.07 to $1.11 per mile
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800 miles: about $800 total, or about $1.00 per mile
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1,000 miles: $900 to $1,000 total, or $0.90 to $1.00 per mile
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1,500 to 2,500 miles: $1,350 to $2,625 total, or $0.90 to $1.05 per mile
Long hauls can be profitable, but only if the destination puts you in a good freight area or the total payout makes sense after deadhead.
How to Use These Rates
Start your bid near the higher end of the range. You can always negotiate down, but you cannot raise your rate after accepting the load.
Also factor in deadhead. If you have to drive 75 miles to pick up a 300-mile load, your real trip is 375 miles. Your bid should reflect that.
Destination matters too. A load that drops you in Indiana, Ohio, or Illinois may be more valuable than a similar-paying load that drops you in a weak freight market. The state tier guide can help you understand which areas are stronger for expedite freight.
Find Cargo Van Loads at Better Rates
The best way to use rate knowledge is to pair it with access to real loads. Expedite Load Board gives cargo van and sprinter van operators access to expedite freight from active brokers.
Sign up today and start bidding with confidence.