Box truck operators in the expedite market should earn more than cargo van operators because they provide more capacity, more weight capability, and more flexibility for larger freight. If you are pricing your box truck like a cargo van, you are leaving money on the table.
This guide breaks down box truck rates per mile and explains how to use those numbers when bidding.
Why Box Truck Rates Are Higher
Box trucks can move freight that cargo vans cannot. A 24-foot or 26-foot box truck can handle larger pallets, heavier shipments, and more volume. That extra capacity gives brokers more options and gives carriers more leverage.
According to the Expedite Load Board box truck pricing guide, box trucks typically earn 30% to 50% more than cargo vans at comparable distances.
Box Truck Rates by Distance
Use these ranges as a baseline when preparing bids.
Short Hauls
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50 miles or less: $250 to $300 total, or $5.00 to $6.00 per mile
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100 miles or less: $300 to $350 total, or $3.00 to $3.50 per mile
Short hauls should be priced with a minimum. A short local run still requires your time, truck, fuel, paperwork, and loading effort.
Mid-Range Loads
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250 miles: about $575 total, or $2.30 per mile
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500 miles: $850 to $925 total, or $1.70 to $1.85 per mile
These are strong runs for box truck operators because the total payout is meaningful and the rate per mile stays healthy.
Long Hauls
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800+ miles: $1,360 to $1,480 total, or $1.70 to $1.85 per mile
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2,200 miles: $3,520 to $3,740 total, or $1.60 to $1.70 per mile
Long hauls generate strong gross revenue, but you still need to consider fuel, driver time, delivery schedule, and where the load ends.
How to Bid Box Truck Loads
Start at the high end of the range. Your truck solves a bigger problem than a cargo van, so do not price it like smaller equipment.
Always consider:
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Deadhead to pickup
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Fuel cost
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Toll routes
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Load weight
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Loading requirements
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Drop location
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Urgency
If a broker is asking for a 26-foot box truck, they need the capacity. That gives you room to hold a professional rate.
Where Destination Matters
A 500-mile box truck load paying $900 may be excellent if it drops you in Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois. The same load may be less attractive if it drops you deep into a low-volume area where your next load is harder to find.
The state tier guide lists the strongest expedite freight states and can help you think one load ahead.
Find Box Truck Loads at Fair Rates
Expedite Load Board is built for expedite carriers, including box truck operators. The Expedite Pro plan gives access to 70,000+ monthly loads for sprinter vans, cargo vans, and box trucks.
Sign up today and start bidding with the rate data you need to protect your profit.