Durham, NC to Atlanta, GA
400-mile freight corridor via I-85 S through the Piedmont technology and manufacturing belt. 1 day (6-7 hours) transit. Easy difficulty.
Distance
400 mi
Transit Time
1 day (6-7 hours)
Difficulty
Toll Cost
$0
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.35 | $940 |
| Reefer | $2.80 | $1,120 |
| Flatbed | $3.00 | $1,200 |
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-85 S through the Piedmont technology and manufacturing belt
Fuel Stops
2 recommended
Tolls
$0
Common Freight Types
Backhaul Information
Good Backhaul Availability
Average backhaul rate: $2.15/mi
Common return cargo: E-commerce from Atlanta hubs, automotive from Spartanburg BMW, textiles
Key Stops Along the Route
Durham, NC
Origin
Greensboro, NC
Charlotte, NC
Spartanburg, SC
Greenville, SC
Atlanta, GA
Destination
Seasonal Trends
Tech sector freight is steady year-round driven by Apple, Google, Meta, and biotech campuses in the Research Triangle. Data center construction along I-85 corridor creates consistent building materials and server equipment demand. Semiconductor-related freight is growing.
Trucker Tips for This Lane
Apple's new campus in the Research Triangle and Google's expansion are driving premium tech freight loads.
Data center construction in the Carolinas and Georgia is booming. Server equipment and electrical infrastructure loads pay well.
The I-85 corridor has been called 'the manufacturing spine of the Southeast.' BMW in Spartanburg is the world's largest by volume.
South Carolina fuel is the cheapest along this corridor. Time your fill-ups between Spartanburg and Greenville.
White-glove delivery services for tech equipment command 2x normal rates. Consider adding this capability.