The Four Components of Every Expedited Quote
- Loaded-mile rate — base cost per mile from origin to destination
- Deadhead — empty miles to get to the pickup, factored back in
- Fuel surcharge (FSC) — adjusts for diesel price, recalculated weekly
- Accessorials — line items for anything outside "pick up, drive, deliver"
2026 Per-Mile Benchmark Rates
| Service type | Single-driver | Team-driver |
|---|---|---|
| 53-ft expedited van | $3.50–$4.50/mi | $5.00–$6.00/mi |
| Hotshot (gooseneck/flat) | $1.75–$2.50/mi | $2.50–$3.50/mi |
| Cross-border bonded | — | $5.50–$7.00/mi |
Rates fluctuate weekly with diesel and fall/winter weather. Lanes from Michigan into Texas, California, and Mexico typically sit at the high end of these ranges.
How Fuel Surcharge Works
FSC adjusts the base rate based on diesel price. The DOE publishes a national average diesel price every Monday. Most carriers use a sliding scale tied to that number:
- Diesel at $3.50/gal → ~$0.45/mi FSC
- Diesel at $4.50/gal → ~$0.65/mi FSC
- Diesel at $5.50/gal → ~$0.85/mi FSC
Accessorial Charges to Watch
| Charge | Typical cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Detention (after 2 hrs free) | $75/hr | Driver time at dock past free hours |
| Driver assist load/unload | $100–$200 | Lumper or driver-assisted handling |
| Layover | $300–$500/day | Multi-day hold at consignee |
| Reconsignment | $150–$400 | Address change after pickup |
| Tolls & permits | Pass-through | Bridge tolls, oversize permits |
| Tarping (open deck) | $75–$150 | Tarp and re-tarp time |
Worked Example: Detroit to Dallas, 53-ft Van, Team
- Loaded miles: 1,180
- Deadhead: 60 miles (we factor this into the all-in rate, not as a separate line)
- Base rate: $5.50/mi × 1,180 = $6,490
- FSC (diesel $4.20): $0.55/mi × 1,180 = $649
- Accessorials: $0 (clean pickup and delivery, no detention)
- Total all-in: ~$3,200–$4,800 (we round down because of return-load opportunity in Dallas)
Lanes with strong return-load markets (Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago) get priced more aggressively. Lanes ending in low-volume markets (rural Montana, North Dakota) get priced higher because the truck deadheads back.
How to Get a Cheaper Quote (Without Cutting Service)
- Give more lead time. 8 hours notice instead of 2 hours often saves 15–25%.
- Be flexible on truck type. A 53-ft van and a hotshot can both handle 8 pallets — but the hotshot is half the rate.
- Round-trip planning. If you ship Detroit → Dallas weekly, ask whether a backhaul makes the lane cheaper.
- Avoid Friday afternoon pickups. Weekend dispatch premiums are 15–30%.
- Confirm dock hours. Detention is the #1 surprise charge on expedited invoices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is expedited freight more expensive than regular truckload?
Expedited freight commits a truck and driver to your load only — no consolidation, no second customer. You're also paying for the option value of fast dispatch (a truck staged and ready) and team drivers when needed.
Can I negotiate expedited rates?
Yes, especially on regular lanes. Shippers who give carriers steady volume on the same lane get rates 15–25% better than spot quotes.