Rates & seasonality
- Directional rate band
- $2.30–$2.90 per mile (all-in) for dry van — long-haul premium applies.
- Seasonality
- Peak weeks: Sep–Nov (peak season inbound to LA ports). Softest: Jan–Feb.
Lane guide · Dry van · 2000 mi
Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA
Chicago → LA is one of the highest-rate long-haul lanes in the US. Strong outbound rates partly offset the steep reposition cost most carriers face out of LA. Best fit for fleets running team drivers or with a planned LA-area customer.
- Mileage
- 2000 mi
- Dominant equipment
- Dry van
- Origin
- Chicago, IL
- Destination
- Los Angeles, CA
Return lane & brokers
- Return reposition
- LA → Chicago repositions at $1.40–$1.80/mi — significantly softer than outbound. Plan return loads before booking.
- Brokers to research on this lane
- C.H. Robinson, J.B. Hunt 360, Knight-Swift, Werner, RXO, Schneider are most active.
Find live Chicago to Los Angeles loads
Install the free Numeo Spot Chrome extension on DAT and Truckstop to see live rates, broker safety scores, and one-tap negotiation drafts for every Chicago to Los Angeles load — or use Numeo Load Hub to search this lane across 15+ boards at once.
The directional Chicago to Los Angeles freight rate band in this editorial guide is $2.30–$2.90 per mile (all-in) for dry van — long-haul premium applies. for the dominant equipment type. This is an editorial estimate, not a live quote or Numeo telemetry; rates fluctuate with broker tender volume, equipment, fuel, and the exact load. Use a dated live rate source before quoting or booking.
Chicago to Los Angeles is approximately 2000 miles by the most common interstate route. Actual mileage varies by pickup and delivery zip code. The Numeo Spot Chrome extension calculates exact mileage, tolls, and deadhead for any DAT load you click on.
A useful starting assumption for Chicago to Los Angeles is dry van. Chicago → LA is one of the highest-rate long-haul lanes in the US. Strong outbound rates partly offset the steep reposition cost most carriers face out of LA. Best fit for fleets running team drivers or with a planned LA-area customer. Equipment fit still depends on the commodity, accessorials, and the individual posting.
Return-lane conditions change with capacity, equipment, fuel, and the individual posting. Use the directional guidance on this page as a planning prompt, then check live connected sources before committing to the outbound lane or a reposition.
Examples to research include C.H. Robinson, J.B. Hunt 360, Knight-Swift, Werner, RXO, Schneider are most active. This is an editorial list, not a live volume ranking or endorsement. Confirm the broker, payment terms, and current posting before booking.
The editorial seasonality note for Chicago to Los Angeles is: Peak weeks: Sep–Nov (peak season inbound to LA ports). Softest: Jan–Feb. Treat it as planning context only; current demand can change with weather, tenders, fuel, and capacity, so verify the live market before quoting.
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