Box Truck, Hotshot, Dry Van, Reefer or Flatbed: Which Truck Earns the Most?

Compare average weekly gross and rate per mile for box trucks, hotshots, dry vans, reefers, flatbeds, step decks and heavy haul — and what it takes to earn the top of each range.

If you're starting a trucking business or thinking about switching equipment, it helps to know what each truck type typically earns. Below are the average market ranges our dispatch team uses for planning. Remember that real results depend on season, lanes, miles driven, days on the road and market conditions.

Straight box trucks (24'–28')

Box trucks typically haul 9,000–12,000 lbs and average roughly $8,000–$10,000 in weekly gross at about $1.50–$1.70 per mile. Startup costs are low and many don't require a CDL, but loads are smaller and more fragmented. A lift gate and pallet jack open up significantly more freight.

Hotshot (CDL and Non-CDL)

Non-CDL hotshots (24'–40') usually carry 9,000–12,000 lbs and average about $9,000–$10,000 a week at $2.25–$2.55 per mile. CDL hotshots can scale up to around 12,000–20,000 lbs and average roughly $10,000–$12,000 a week at $2.70–$3.00 per mile. Expedited loads, vehicles and equipment are hotshot staples.

Dry van (48'/53')

Dry vans haul around 35,000–45,000 lbs and average about $10,000–$11,000 a week at $2.70–$3.00 per mile. Freight is plentiful but competition is high — strong negotiation and smart reload planning make the biggest difference.

Reefer (48'/53')

Reefers carry similar weights to dry vans but typically earn more: about $11,000–$13,000 a week at $3.30–$3.60 per mile. You'll manage temperature requirements, tighter appointments and a reefer unit's maintenance, but produce seasons can be very profitable.

Flatbed, step deck and Flatbed Maxi

Standard flatbeds and step decks (42,000–48,000 lbs) average around $11,000–$13,000 a week at $3.30–$3.60 per mile. Flatbed Maxis can legally haul 55,000–63,000 lbs and average roughly $13,000–$16,000 a week at $3.75–$4.20 per mile. Securement skills, tarps and the right chains and binders are a must.

Heavy haul: RGN, Lowboy and Landoll

Heavy haul trailers carry anywhere from about 50,000 to 150,000 lbs. Rates of roughly $6.00–$9.00 per mile and weekly gross of about $17,000–$21,000 are possible — but permits, escorts and specialized experience are required, and equipment costs are much higher.

Power only

Power only carriers don't need a trailer at all. Averages run around $10,000–$12,000 a week. You'll need trailer interchange insurance, and reefer breakdown coverage if you pull reefer trailers.

The real answer: the truck that's dispatched well

The biggest variable isn't the equipment — it's how well the truck is run. Deadhead miles, idle days and cheap loads can drag any truck to the bottom of its range, while good planning and hard negotiation push it to the top. That's exactly what a dedicated dispatcher is for.