346 miles · Est. 5.1 hours · Avg $2.45/mile · Gross $848
Lane Overview
346
Miles
$2.45
Avg rate/mile
$848
Avg gross rate
moderate
Competition
Atlanta to Jacksonville southbound on I-75 south to I-10 east is one of the Southeast's most reliable distribution lanes. Atlanta's massive retail and consumer goods distribution infrastructure sends merchandise south toward Jacksonville's growing population of 1 million and JAXPORT's export capabilities. Food and beverage products round out the reefer demand. At $2.35–$2.55/mile for 346 miles, moderate rates are steady with good load availability.
I-75 south through Macon and Valdosta is efficient and fast. Georgia State Patrol is active on I-75 south near Tifton, which has become a consistent enforcement corridor — maintain 70mph and below. The I-75/I-10 interchange near Lake City, FL is the transition point east toward Jacksonville. Jacksonville's industrial receivers are concentrated near the port in the Talleyrand and Heckscher Drive areas — commercial vehicle access requires familiarity with the port's approach roads. Return Jacksonville to Atlanta (Lane 48) brings JAXPORT import cargo and produce northbound at similar rates.
Driver Tip
Use our Load Profitability Calculator to check if this lane covers your operating costs before accepting a load.
Trip Costs
Fuel Estimate
$128
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$8
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$712
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Return Freight
Jacksonville to Atlanta
346 miles · $2.50/mile avg
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Atlanta and Jacksonville don't get the headlines that Miami or Charlotte do, but this lane has been quietly reliable for years. Atlanta is one of the largest inland distribution hubs in the country — Home Depot, UPS, Coca-Cola, and dozens of national retailers all run DCs here. When those warehouses need to push goods toward Florida's northeast coast, they need trucks heading to Jacksonville. JAXPORT has been growing steadily, and the northbound return loads from the port keep this a genuine two-way corridor rather than a positioning run.
Southbound, you're mostly moving consumer goods, retail merchandise, and food products from Atlanta's distribution infrastructure. JAXPORT's export terminals also create outbound cargo for ships heading to Central and South America — some loads are port-bound and require specific dock timing. Food and beverage is a consistent reefer component, particularly during produce season when Florida product heads northbound and Atlanta's food processing output heads south.
I-75 south from Atlanta to Valdosta is a clean, fast run. Tifton is your best fuel stop at roughly the midpoint — Flying J and Love's both sit right off I-75. The Georgia State Patrol runs enforcement hard on I-75 south in the Tifton-to-Valdosta stretch, so keep your speed honest. At the I-75/I-10 interchange near Lake City, FL, you're heading east. Jacksonville's port access — Talleyrand Marine Terminal and Blount Island — requires pre-arranged dock appointments and familiarity with the port's access roads off Heckscher Drive. Don't arrive without confirmation.
At $2.35–$2.55/mile for 346 miles, this lane pays fairly for Southeast regional work. Atlanta-sourced loads with JAXPORT destination sometimes command a premium due to the port access complexity — shippers value carriers who know the terminal process. Direct relationships with Atlanta DCs will get you better rates and consistent freight versus chasing the spot market.
JAXPORT imports going north toward Atlanta are the primary return. Consumer goods, auto parts through Brunswick, and produce from Florida operations all move northbound. The return lane generally matches southbound rates, making this a genuine bilateral corridor.
Is the Valdosta scale on I-75 a consistent issue southbound?
The Valdosta-area weigh station on I-75 south is active and checks regularly. Make sure your axle weights are legal before you leave Atlanta — overweight issues here will cost you time and money.
How do I handle JAXPORT delivery if I've never done port work before?
Get a TWIC card if you don't have one — you'll need it for port access. Call the terminal ahead for dock appointment times and ask your broker for the specific gate instructions. Blount Island and Talleyrand have different gate procedures.
What's the best fuel stop southbound?
Tifton, GA at the I-75/US-82 interchange — roughly mile 82 southbound. Good selection of fuel stops there and you won't need to fuel again before Jacksonville.
Dispatch Service
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