Major freight corridors such as Interstate 10 (I-10), Interstate 40 (I-40), and Interstate 90 (I-90) remain vital arteries in the U.S. trucking network. These highways offer truck drivers consistent freight volumes, steady job opportunities, and competitive pay. Understanding these lanes and their freight characteristics helps drivers target routes with the most reliable work.
Interstate 10: The Southern Freight Corridor
I-10 stretches from California’s coast at Santa Monica to Jacksonville, Florida, covering nearly 2,460 miles. This corridor facilitates a wide variety of freight, including dry van shipments, refrigerated produce with seasonal peaks, and cross-border cargo from Mexico through Arizona. Major ports like Los Angeles and Houston feed freight into this route, maintaining heavy truck traffic volumes. Drivers on I-10 earn median pay rates ranging from $0.60 to $0.68 per mile. Average truck speeds of about 56 mph reflect efficient freight movement despite congestion near metro areas.
Interstate 40: Connecting Manufacturing and Retail Hubs
Crossing the country from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Barstow, California, I-40 links key manufacturing centers and distribution hubs. Freight along this corridor includes flatbed loads supporting construction, refrigerated goods, and dry van shipments tied to consumer demand. Growing e-commerce activity is driving expanded fleets along I-40, resulting in median driver pay between $0.58 and $0.65 per mile. Multi-industry freight diversity contributes to steady job stability.
Interstate 90: Northern Industrial and Agricultural Freight
I-90, the nation’s longest interstate, runs from Boston to Seattle. This corridor connects industrial hubs in the Midwest with ports and agricultural regions in the Pacific Northwest. Freight consists of bulk commodities, high-value manufactured goods, and refrigerated farming products. Median driver pay ranges from $0.55 to $0.63 per mile. Strong industrial output in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Washington supports consistent freight flow.
Comparison of Freight Lanes and Pay
| Highway | Primary Freight Types | Median Pay (per Mile) | Major Freight Areas |
| I-10 | Dry van, refrigerated, cross-border | $0.60 – $0.68 | Los Angeles, Houston, Tucson |
| I-40 | Flatbed, dry van, refrigerated | $0.58 – $0.65 | Nashville, Memphis, Oklahoma City |
| I-90 | Bulk commodities, refrigerated goods | $0.55 – $0.63 | Chicago, Milwaukee, Seattle |
Tips for Drivers
To maximize earnings, drivers should focus on prevalent freight types in these corridors. Reefer freight skills especially benefit drivers on I-10 during produce seasons. Flatbed expertise aligns well with I-40’s construction freight, and I-90 caters to drivers who prefer bulk and refrigerated loads in robust northern markets.
Freight Outlook
Despite some economic uncertainties in 2025, these corridors maintain steady freight volumes and driver demand supported by ongoing infrastructure enhancements. Faster freight movement and increased capacity improve driver productivity and open new opportunities.
