Skip to main content

Denver, CO to Phoenix, AZ

602-mile freight corridor via I-25 S to Albuquerque, then I-25 S to I-10 W or US-60 W across New Mexico into Arizona. 1-2 days transit. Challenging difficulty.

Distance

602 mi

Transit Time

1-2 days

Difficulty

Challenging

Toll Cost

$0

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/MileEst. Total
Dry Van$2.15$1,294.3
Reefer$2.60$1,565.2
Flatbed$2.80$1,685.6

Rates are approximate averages and vary by season, demand, and broker. Always verify current spot rates on DAT or Truckstop.

Route Details

Recommended Route

I-25 S to Albuquerque, then I-25 S to I-10 W or US-60 W across New Mexico into Arizona

Fuel Stops

4 recommended

Tolls

$0

Common Freight Types

Building MaterialsSemiconductorsConsumer GoodsCopper Products

Backhaul Information

Good Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $1.85/mi

Common return cargo: Semiconductors from Intel/TSMC, copper, produce, construction materials

Key Stops Along the Route

Denver, CO

Origin

Colorado Springs, CO

Pueblo, CO

Trinidad, CO

Raton, NM

Albuquerque, NM

Socorro, NM

Truth or Consequences, NM

Phoenix, AZ

Destination

Seasonal Trends

Phoenix construction boom drives year-round demand for building materials from Colorado and New Mexico. Denver tech sector creates bidirectional freight. Winter on Raton Pass requires chains. TSMC semiconductor plant creating new high-value freight from Phoenix.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

1

This route crosses multiple mountain passes. Raton Pass (7,834 ft) on I-25 is the highest and most dangerous in winter.

2

New Mexico between Albuquerque and the Arizona border is remote with limited services. Plan fuel stops carefully.

3

Phoenix semiconductor corridor (TSMC, Intel) is generating premium freight demand for specialized, climate-controlled transport.

4

Fuel is cheapest in New Mexico. Fill up in Albuquerque or Las Cruces before entering Arizona or Colorado.

5

Both cities are booming with population growth. Building materials, furniture, and household goods are in constant demand.

Denver to Phoenix FAQ

Current average rates on the Denver, CO to Phoenix, AZ lane are approximately $2.15/mi for dry van, $2.60/mi for reefer, and $2.80/mi for flatbed. Rates fluctuate based on season, fuel costs, and market demand. The most common equipment types on this lane are Dry Van, Flatbed, Reefer.
The 602-mile route from Denver, CO to Phoenix, AZ typically takes 1-2 days. The recommended route is I-25 S to Albuquerque, then I-25 S to I-10 W or US-60 W across New Mexico into Arizona. Actual transit time depends on weather, traffic, HOS compliance, and whether you run solo or team. Plan for 4 fuel stops along the way.
Yes, backhaul availability on the return trip is good. Average backhaul rates run around $1.85/mi. Common backhaul cargo includes Semiconductors from Intel/TSMC, copper, produce, construction materials. Check DAT, Truckstop, and local brokers for the best return loads.
Estimated toll costs on the Denver, CO to Phoenix, AZ corridor are $0. This is a toll-free corridor, which helps protect your margins.

Related Freight Lanes