Atlanta to Dallas Truck Dispatch
Freight route from Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX (795 miles). Dallas-Fort Worth's distribution density mirrors Atlanta's, which makes this a strong two-way retail lane.
What do truck dispatch rates run from Atlanta to Dallas?
Atlanta to Dallas is a 795-mile lane paying about $1,709 - $2,027 per load, near $2.15 - $2.55 a mile. Freight is mostly retail distribution, consumer goods and electronics.
- Distance
- 795 miles
- Avg. rate / load
- $1,709 - $2,027
- Rate per mile
- $2.15 - $2.55
- Transit time
- 1-2 days
- Deadhead risk
- 30-35%
Lane rates reviewed September 2026. These numbers follow 2026 spot-market pricing and shift with fuel prices over this haul. See our dispatch fee structure.
Atlanta to Dallas
Atlanta to Dallas is a 795-mile, roughly 12-hour run west, mostly on I-20. Dallas-Fort Worth's Union Pacific Intermodal Terminal handles about 365,000 containers a year and BNSF's Alliance facility moves more than 1 million containers annually, giving this lane strong reload options.
Origin
Atlanta, GA
Destination
Dallas, TX
Distance
795 miles
Transit Time
1-2 days
Average Rate
$1,709 - $2,027
Rate per Mile
$2.15 - $2.55
795-mile lane, about 12 hours on I-20
Dallas-Fort Worth's two major intermodal terminals move well over 1 million containers a year combined
Crosses Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana
Atlanta to Dallas: route facts a driver should know
Atlanta is headquarters to some of the freight world's biggest shippers
Coca-Cola, The Home Depot, UPS, Delta Air Lines, and Norfolk Southern are all headquartered in metro Atlanta, each generating steady freight demand tied to their distribution networks.
Source: Metro Atlanta Chamber, key industries. Checked 30 Sep 2026.
The DFW Inland Port spans over 76,000 acres
The Dallas-Fort Worth Inland Port covers more than 76,000 acres at the crossing of I-20, I-30, I-35, and I-45, with access to Union Pacific and BNSF rail. It's described as the largest inland distribution market in North America.
Source: Partners Real Estate, Dallas-Fort Worth market research. Checked 30 Sep 2026.
Diesel for this lane
How much is the diesel for Atlanta to Dallas?
About $712.01 this week. The lane is 795 miles. A truck that gets 6.5 miles per gallon uses about 122 gallons, and diesel is averaging $5.82 a gallon on this lane (week of October 19, 2026). The U.S. average diesel price is up 10 cents this week.
An estimate. It uses EIA's weekly average for the two regions this lane connects, not the price at each pump. Your mpg and fuel card discounts change it.
- Distance
- 795 mi
- Diesel needed
- 122 gal
- Price used
- $5.82/gal
- Fuel cost
- $712.01
Common Freight Types
Retail distribution, consumer goods and electronics fill the trailers heading west.
- Retail Distribution
- Consumer Goods
- Electronics
What makes the Atlanta to Dallas lane difficult?
The length requires a realistic HOS plan
Understanding and preparing for this challenge helps optimize your operations and maximize profitability on this lane.
Mississippi and Louisiana stretches can see severe weather
Mississippi and Louisiana stretches can see severe weather.
Dallas-Fort Worth metro traffic can add time at the end
Dallas-Fort Worth metro traffic can add time at the end.
What freight moves on the Atlanta to Dallas lane?
What travels between Atlanta and Dallas, and when the busy weeks fall.
Primary Commodities
- •Retail Distribution
- •Consumer Goods
- •Electronics
Secondary Commodities
- •Union Pacific and BNSF intermodal freight
- •Electronics
- •Retail distribution
Seasonal Cargo
Peak seasons for this lane:
- •Retail distribution (holiday surge)
- •Electronics (steady)
- •Consumer goods (steady)
When is the Atlanta to Dallas lane busiest?
Retail timing and hurricane season both shape this haul.
Q1 (Jan-Mar): Slow Period?
A modest dip after the holidays, cushioned by steady intermodal freight.
Q4 (Oct-Dec): Peak Period?
Retail distribution and consumer goods climb from October through December.
Produce Season?
Not a major factor on this lane.
- •Q4 holiday retail season
- •Steady electronics and retail freight
- •Spring/summer construction season
Hurricane Risk?
A real factor from June through November across Mississippi, Louisiana and the Dallas-Fort Worth end.
Seasonal Strategy Summary
This long-haul lane runs fairly steady year-round, without a major seasonal swing to plan around.
How do I negotiate the best rate on the Atlanta to Dallas lane?
When to book, who pays extra, and which loads need a weather plan.
When to Book
Suggested booking window:
2-3 days out is typical for this haul.
What Brokers Pay More
Loads that command more:
Time-critical electronics and Alliance Logistics District freight tend to pay a premium.
When to Avoid
Loads to price carefully:
Be careful committing to a fast turnaround without checking Gulf storm forecasts during hurricane season.
Rate Negotiation Tips for Atlanta to Dallas
- •
This is a long haul at nearly 800 miles, so budget real fuel and rest time before you commit to a rate.
- •
DFW's massive inland-port freight base usually means solid load availability once you arrive.
- •
Ask about freight tied to Atlanta's corporate shippers. Their steady distribution volume can mean repeat business.
How do I find a backhaul load on the Atlanta to Dallas lane?
Dallas-Fort Worth's massive intermodal base makes an eastbound load realistic.
Best Return Cities
Where to look for the eastbound load:
- •Dallas, TX
- •Regional distribution hubs near Dallas
Deadhead Risk %
Deadhead risk on this lane: 30-35%
Check both the Union Pacific southern Dallas terminal and BNSF's Alliance facility in Fort Worth.
Alternative Routes
If the first load falls through, try these:
- •Dallas's tech-sector and energy-equipment freight is a reliable backhaul stream back toward the Southeast.
Backhaul Optimization Tips
- •
DFW's rail and inland-port density gives you strong backhaul odds heading back east.
- •
Atlanta's own corporate distribution base keeps eastbound freight flowing too.
- •
Give yourself real recovery time after this long cross-country run before your next dispatch.
What do experienced dispatchers know about the Atlanta to Dallas lane?
Three notes before this Gulf-South run.
Plan your rest stops before you leave Atlanta on a run this long.
Watch storm forecasts across Mississippi and Louisiana.
Check which terminal (Alliance or the southern Dallas Union Pacific yard) has your reload freight.
Ask whether your load ties back to one of Atlanta's big corporate shippers. Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and UPS all generate steady repeat freight.
Atlanta to Dallas Lane FAQs
Answers on drive time, HOS planning, and the Dallas-Fort Worth freight hub.
The lane data shows about $1,709 - $2,027 per load, or $2.15 - $2.55 a mile, across 795 miles.
The Union Pacific Intermodal Terminal in southern Dallas County handles about 365,000 containers a year, and BNSF's Alliance facility moves more than 1 million containers annually.
Yes, it crosses Mississippi and Louisiana, both exposed to Gulf storms from June through November.
Yes, generally, given its scale as an inland logistics hub.
Other Georgia freight lanes we dispatch
- Atlanta to Miami
- Atlanta to Chicago
- Atlanta to Charlotte
- Atlanta to Nashville
- Atlanta to Houston
- Atlanta to Memphis
Local resources
Also serving the other end of this lane
Dry Van owner-operator, Southeast: +$2,550/week after moving to $2.85/mi on automotive parts / retail / beverage freight.
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