Average Cost Per Mile for Trucking Passes $2: An In-depth Look at Rising Trucking Costs
John Reynolds had a big semi truck load on his hands—a load of fridges needed to get from Charlotte to the Big Apple.
He threw the job up on the load board at $2 per mile, already aware of the average pay per mile for truck drivers. He knew it was a bit low and prepared himself for the inevitable negotiating.
But John was shocked!
His phone lit up like a Christmas tree. Texts, emails, calls - drivers were jumping at the chance to haul those fridges. No haggling, bargaining, just a desperate scramble for the job.
It hit John hard. This is the harsh reality America's truck drivers are facing today. Trucking costs are rising year after year and work is getting scarce. Too many drivers are chasing too few jobs, which is driving down rates.
It's a tough time for the industry. Many still remember the trucking crash in 2019 when hundreds of trucking companies went under, unable to keep up with the cost of trucking per mile while the rates took a nosedive. It's starting to feel similar, and for many truckers, it's a fight for survival.
John looked at his buzzing phone, the flood of messages, and couldn't help but feel sympathy. These were hardworking folks, just trying to keep up wit the trucking costs per mile in a challenging market. It was a sobering moment and a reminder of what our truckers go through.
That’s the reality in 2025. Too many trucks. Too few loads. And rising costs across the board.
Trucker Costs: How Rising Rates Per Mile Impact Drivers
The trucking costs rising drivers are feeling it where it hurts - their paychecks. Even though they're putting in the same hard work, the average pay per mile for truck drivers is falling, leaving them with less to bring home to their families. It's like running a race where the finish line keeps moving further away. And it's not just about the paycheck. Stress levels, family life, and general well-being are directly tied to finances. With the price tag on trucking shooting through the roof, it's like a pressure cooker out there. It's a tough gig, especially for the new drivers just starting their journey in trucking. They're not just duking it out with other drivers for freight, they're also wrestling with these sky-high costs, trying to figure out how to keep the wheels turning. But despite all these challenges, truckers are a tough bunch. They keep on trucking, delivering goods that you and I rely on every day. And that's something to be proud of.
Industry Trends: The Effect of Rising Trucking Costs Per Mile on the Trucking Industry
These rising trucking costs per mile are like an oversized load on the industry's back. Trucking companies, especially the smaller ones, are feeling the pinch. Some are even struggling to keep their heads above water. If things don't turn around, we could see more companies going under, just like in the 2019 crash. And when that happens, it's not just the company that goes under. It's jobs, livelihoods, and families.
The industry might start looking different, too. Bigger fleets could start taking over, as they're often better equipped to handle these trucker costs and start snapping up the smaller companies and growing their fleets. Did you know that over 90% of carriers in the U.S. are small operations with six or fewer trucks? That means that most of the trucks you see on the road are driven by regular people just like us, working hard to make ends meet and build a life for their families.
But it's not all doom and gloom. Tough times lead to big changes. Companies start looking for more efficient ways to do things or turn to new tech to cut trucking costs. It's like that old saying - necessity is the mother of invention. And no matter what, the trucking industry is still a crucial cog in the economy's wheel.
Customer Impact: How Rising Trucking Costs Affect Consumers
Now, you might be thinking, "What does the trucking costs per mile have to do with me?" Well, let me tell you. When trucking costs go up, it doesn't just stay in the trucking industry. It trickles down to all of us, the customers. We start seeing the rising trucking costs in the price tags at the store and in the delivery fees for our online shopping. It's like a hidden tax that you didn't even know you were paying.
And it's not just about the money. With average pay per mile for truck drivers decreasing, deliveries start taking longer. You find yourself waiting an extra day or two for the packages you're expecting. But through it all, one thing remains clear - trucking is the backbone of our supply chain, and we all rely on it more than we realize. And even in tough times with rising trucking costs, the industry keeps on delivering.
The 2025 read on costs
The latest industry research shows the average cost to operate a truck remains above 2 dollars per mile. Total marginal cost averaged 2.26 dollars per mile in 2024, down a penny from 2023, while non-fuel costs rose to 1.779 dollars per mile. In short, fuel eased, but everything else got pricier.
| Cost category | 2024 to 2025 signal | Operational impact |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Moderated against 2023 highs | Lower fuel helps totals, but volatility still affects planning |
| Equipment | New trucks and trailers remain elevated | Higher capex and financing costs for fleet refresh |
| Repair and maintenance | Up year over year | Labor and parts keep non-fuel costs high |
| Insurance | Climbing | Pressure on small carriers and new entrants |
| Driver wages and benefits | Stable to slightly higher | Retention requires competitive pay and predictable home time |
What drivers feel day to day
Spot rates have not kept pace with non-fuel costs. Dry van linehaul has hovered in the mid 1.60s per mile this fall, and weekly broker-to-carrier tallies often land near the low 2s when fuel is included. For many owner-operators, that math is thin.
Company drivers get more stability. At MigWay, experienced CDL-A OTR drivers earn 0.55 to 0.65 CPM with bonuses, weekly pay averaging 1,500 to 2,000 dollars, and weekly home time backed by 24/7 dispatch and maintenance. Predictable pay and support beat surprise repair bills every time.
Industry shape in 2025
- Capacity is still heavy in many lanes, so rate recovery is uneven.
- Non-fuel costs push fleets to run tighter networks and cut empty miles.
- Carriers with strong shipper partnerships outperform load-board dependency.
We remember the 2019 shakeout. The lesson stands. Strong operators survive on precision, not guesswork.
What this means for shippers
Higher operating costs ripple into delivered pricing and service variability. The fix is not hoping the market turns. It is choosing a carrier that plans, measures, and executes.
- Network fit - align origins and destinations to reduce waste.
- Live visibility - cut dwell through data and tighter appointment control.
- Asset discipline - newer equipment and strict PM reduce unplanned downtime.
How MigWay is handling the cost curve
- Asset-based control - 269 trucks and 450 trailers operated by our team only.
- Elevation-aware and weather-aware routing - smarter miles, better fuel burn.
- 24/7 dispatch and maintenance - fewer surprises, faster recoveries.
- Driver-first pay and home time - retention that protects your on-time.
Bottom line: we keep freight moving cleanly through a noisy market.
Final Thoughts: Steering the Future Amid High Trucking Costs
Sure, trucking costs are high in the trucking industry. But if there's one thing we've learned, it's that truckers are some of the toughest folks around. We've weathered storms before, and we'll weather this one too. We'll find ways to adapt, to innovate, to keep those wheels turning. Because that's what we do.
And that's where you come in. We can all do our part to support our truckers, who are grappling with the average cost per mile for trucking. They're the backbone of our economy, and they deserve our respect and support. Whether it's spreading the word about the rising costs and challenges our truckers face or choosing to do business with companies that treat their drivers well, every little bit helps.
Here at MigWay, we've used these challenges of high trucking costs per mile to become better than ever. We've cut the fat, become leaner and more efficient, and kept our focus on the heart of our business - our drivers and our customers. And you know what they say about tough times, they don't last but tough people do. We've learned, we've grown, and we've become stronger. We're not just a company; we're a family, and we're ready to face the future together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current average cost per mile in trucking?
Recent industry reporting places average total marginal cost at 2.26 dollars per mile for 2024, with non-fuel costs at a record 1.779 dollars per mile.
Why are non-fuel costs rising?
Insurance, maintenance, parts, and equipment financing have increased. Even as fuel moderated, these categories continue to climb.
Are owner-operators profitable in 2025?
Profitability depends on lanes, utilization, and costs. With linehaul spot rates often in the mid 1.60s per mile, many owner-operators face tight margins unless they have strong direct freight.
How are contract rates trending?
Dry van contract rates excluding fuel have hovered around 2 dollars per mile for much of 2023 to 2025, with limited month to month movement.
How does MigWay mitigate these costs for shippers?
We optimize routing, reduce empty miles, maintain strict PM schedules, and align dedicated capacity to shipper networks for consistent service.
Need a carrier that runs clean through a messy market?
Talk to MigWay. Asset-based capacity, 24/7 dispatch, and live tracking included.
Request a quoteQuestions about lanes, rates, or capacity this month? Call +1-980-255-3200.