Not every load is worth booking. Some loads look good at first but become weak once you factor in deadhead, fuel, tolls, time, and where the load drops you.
The best carriers do not just ask, “What does this load pay?” They ask, “What does this load do for my business?”
Start With the Rate
First, compare the load to normal pricing for your equipment.
For cargo vans, the cargo van pricing guide lists common ranges such as:
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100 miles: $200 to $300
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300 miles: $400 to $425
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500 miles: $550 to $625
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1,000 miles: $900 to $1,000
For box trucks, the box truck pricing guide lists ranges such as:
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100 miles or less: $300 to $350
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250 miles: about $575
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500 miles: $850 to $925
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800+ miles: $1,360 to $1,480
If the load is below the normal range, you need a strong reason to take it.
Factor in Deadhead
Deadhead can destroy a good-looking load. If a load pays $500 for 400 miles but you have to drive 100 unpaid miles to pick it up, your real trip is 500 miles.
Always calculate:
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Miles to pickup
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Loaded miles
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Miles needed after delivery to get back into a freight market
The posted rate is not the real rate if it ignores deadhead.
Check the Destination
Where the load drops you is one of the most important factors. A load ending in a strong freight state may be more valuable than a higher-paying load that drops you in a weak area.
The state tier guide lists Tier 1 hot areas as Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. These markets usually give carriers more options for the next load.
Tier 3 areas like Florida, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and parts of the Mountain West may require more caution because outbound freight can be thinner.
Consider the Time Window
A load may pay well, but the schedule still has to make sense. Ask:
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Can I reach pickup on time?
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Is the delivery window realistic?
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Will I have enough time for fuel, rest, and delays?
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Is the urgency priced into the rate?
Expedite freight is time-sensitive. If the broker needs a rush move, your rate should reflect that.
Check the Freight Details
Before accepting, confirm:
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Weight
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Dimensions
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Pickup and delivery times
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Loading method
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Whether a dock, ramp, liftgate, or pallet jack is needed
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Any special handling requirements
If the freight requires more work or risk, the rate should reflect it.
Think One Load Ahead
The best decision is not always the highest-paying load in front of you. A slightly lower-paying load into Ohio may be better than a higher-paying load into a weak freight area.
Use this quick checklist:
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Is the rate within range?
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Is deadhead reasonable?
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Is the destination strong?
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Can my equipment handle the freight?
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Is the timeline realistic?
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Does this load help me get another load?
If most answers are yes, the load may be worth booking. If several answers are no, move on.
Find Better Loads to Choose From
The easiest way to avoid bad loads is to have more good options. Expedite Load Board gives carriers access to expedite loads from active brokers so you can compare opportunities and make better decisions.
Sign up today and start booking loads that actually work for your business.