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St. Louis, MO to Norfolk, VA

820-mile freight corridor via I-64 E through Louisville, Lexington, over the Appalachians through West Virginia and Virginia to Norfolk. 2 days transit. Challenging difficulty.

Distance

820 mi

Transit Time

2 days

Difficulty

Challenging

Toll Cost

$5-15

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/MileEst. Total
Dry Van$2.10$1,722
Reefer$2.55$2,091
Flatbed$2.75$2,255

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-64 E through Louisville, Lexington, over the Appalachians through West Virginia and Virginia to Norfolk

Fuel Stops

4 recommended

Tolls

$5-15

Common Freight Types

Imported GoodsBourbon/SpiritsCoalMilitary Supplies

Backhaul Information

Good Backhaul Availability

Average backhaul rate: $1.85/mi

Common return cargo: Imported goods from Port of Virginia, seafood, military equipment

Key Stops Along the Route

St. Louis, MO

Origin

Louisville, KY

Lexington, KY

Charleston, WV

Staunton, VA

Charlottesville, VA

Richmond, VA

Norfolk, VA

Destination

Seasonal Trends

Port of Virginia is one of the fastest-growing East Coast ports, driving year-round import freight. Bourbon shipments from Kentucky peak before holidays. West Virginia mountain section is hazardous December-March with ice and fog.

Trucker Tips for This Lane

1

The West Virginia mountain section of I-64 near Beckley has steep grades and sharp curves. Trucks regularly lose brakes here -- use engine braking.

2

Louisville traffic near I-64/I-65 interchange is severe during rush hours. Use Gene Snyder Freeway (I-265) bypass.

3

Norfolk port area requires TWIC card access for many facilities. Get one before booking port loads.

4

Fuel is cheapest in Kentucky and West Virginia along this corridor.

5

Richmond to Norfolk on I-64 is congested through Hampton Roads. Use the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel and plan for tunnel traffic delays.

St. Louis to Norfolk FAQ

Current average rates on the St. Louis, MO to Norfolk, VA lane are approximately $2.10/mi for dry van, $2.55/mi for reefer, and $2.75/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 820-mile route from St. Louis, MO to Norfolk, VA typically takes 2 days. The recommended route is I-64 E through Louisville, Lexington, over the Appalachians through West Virginia and Virginia to Norfolk. 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 Imported goods from Port of Virginia, seafood, military equipment. Check DAT, Truckstop, and local brokers for the best return loads.
Estimated toll costs on the St. Louis, MO to Norfolk, VA corridor are $5-15. Factor these tolls into your rate negotiation -- they directly impact your net revenue per mile. Electronic transponders (E-ZPass, SunPass, etc.) can reduce costs and save time at toll plazas.

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