Tanker (liquid / bulk) freight rate per mile
$2.80 - $3.70/mile
National-average reference range (DAT 2026 basis, all-in including fuel surcharge). Reference ranges only, your lane, season, and fuel will move these. Always price your own load. Price your load with the calculator below.
Low end
$2.80/mi
High end
$3.70/mi
Typical fuel economy
6 mpg
What drives the Tanker rate
- Tanker and often hazmat CDL endorsements limit driver supply and pressure rates upward.
- Product type premium: food-grade, chemical, and cryogenic loads each carry distinct compliance costs.
- Wash-out requirements between loads add turnaround time and out-of-pocket expense.
- Full load weight and the resulting lower fuel economy raise the effective cost floor per mile.
How to price your Tanker load
Quote all-in, including wash-out fees and terminal wait time. Deadhead to the next load matters more in tanker since you cannot reload with a dirty tank. Verify net profit in the load calculator below.
Open load profit calculatorFrequently asked questions
Tanker (liquid / bulk) is $2.80-$3.70/mile all-in (DAT 2026 national average). Your specific lane, season, and fuel costs will move these numbers significantly in either direction, so always price from your actual lane data before accepting a load.
