Sacramento, CA to Reno, NV
135-mile freight corridor via I-80 E through the Sierra Nevada foothills, over Donner Pass into Reno. Same day (2-3 hours) transit. Challenging difficulty.
Distance
135 mi
Transit Time
Same day (2-3 hours)
Difficulty
Toll Cost
$0
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.75 | $371.25 |
| Reefer | $3.20 | $432 |
| Flatbed | $3.40 | $459 |
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-80 E through the Sierra Nevada foothills, over Donner Pass into Reno
Fuel Stops
1 recommended
Tolls
$0
Common Freight Types
Backhaul Information
Good Backhaul Availability
Average backhaul rate: $2.45/mi
Common return cargo: E-commerce from Reno/Sparks warehouses (Tesla, Amazon), gaming equipment
Key Stops Along the Route
Sacramento, CA
Origin
Auburn, CA
Colfax, CA
Truckee, CA
Reno, NV
Destination
Seasonal Trends
Reno/Sparks is a booming e-commerce distribution hub (Tesla Gigafactory, Amazon, Walmart). Year-round demand but Donner Pass winter closures November-April can halt traffic for days. Ski season freight to Tahoe area peaks December-March.
Trucker Tips for This Lane
Donner Pass (7,056 ft) has the most chain controls of any interstate segment in the US. Commercial-grade chains are mandatory in winter.
Check Caltrans QuickMap before every departure. R-2 and R-3 chain controls mean major delays or full closure for trucks.
Reno's Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) is one of the largest industrial parks in the world. Reload opportunities are excellent.
Fuel in California is much more expensive than Nevada. Top off in Reno for the return trip.
Summer is the easy season -- clear roads, long daylight. Build margin into winter schedules for pass delays.