662 miles · Est. 9.8 hours · Avg $2.70/mile · Gross $1,787
Lane Overview
662
Miles
$2.70
Avg rate/mile
$1,787
Avg gross rate
easy
Competition
Atlanta to Miami southbound on I-75 is a premium-paying easy lane at $2.60–$2.80/mile. Consumer goods from Atlanta's massive distribution network — everything from electronics to apparel — flow south to Miami's 6 million consumers. Florida Turnpike tolls from Wildwood to Miami run $30 or more depending on your axle configuration, so factor that into your rate calculation before accepting loads.
Florida is notorious for having more trucks running southbound than northbound, which creates a return load challenge. Pre-book your northbound Miami load before you deliver — don't land in Miami empty-handed hoping the load board will save you. Return produce loads (tomatoes, peppers, citrus) are available but seasonal. The Turnpike has multiple weigh stations — ensure your paperwork and weight distribution are correct. Drive time is just under 10 hours making it a solid one-day dispatch.
Driver Tip
Use our Load Profitability Calculator to check if this lane covers your operating costs before accepting a load.
Return Freight
Miami to Atlanta
662 miles · $2.65/mile avg
Trip Costs
Fuel Estimate
$245
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$30
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$1,512
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Atlanta to Miami is one of the better-paying corridor runs in the Southeast and there's a clear reason why: Florida is a freight trap. Products flow in, and getting them back out costs money. Shippers going into Florida know trucks are hesitant to deadhead back out, so they pay a rate premium on the inbound side to attract capacity. At $2.70/mile on a 662-mile run, you're looking at $1,787 average — and that's before any fuel surcharge negotiation. I rate this easy because freight is consistently available, but you need to understand the return situation before you commit to the run.
Atlanta's massive Southeast distribution complex — consumer electronics, apparel, household goods, retail merchandise — feeds Miami's 6 million consumers. Major retail chains' Southeast DCs in the Atlanta metro area constantly replenish Florida stores and the Miami-area distribution network. Reefer freight includes food and beverage products heading to South Florida's large restaurant and hospitality industry. Miami's Doral and Medley districts are where most consumer goods deliveries land — the I-75/826 corridor in west Miami handles a large share of the DC volume.
I-75 south from Atlanta through Macon and into Florida. The Florida-Georgia line is where you pick up I-75 into the state. Gainesville is a good fuel stop — prices in South Florida get expensive as you approach the Turnpike system. After Gainesville, you can continue on I-75 south or transition to the Florida Turnpike near Wildwood. The Turnpike is faster through the Orlando area and the tolls are unavoidable if you want the most efficient routing. Weigh stations on the Florida Turnpike are automated — your transponder registers your weight at highway speed. Miami delivery in the Doral district is tight streets and heavy local traffic; give yourself extra time for final delivery navigation.
Don't accept less than $2.65/mile on this run given the toll obligation. The $30+ in Turnpike tolls comes directly off your net rate — a $2.60/mile load on 662 miles nets $1,721 gross, then subtract $30 tolls and $245 fuel and you're working with $1,446. At $2.75/mile the math works better. Know your cost structure before you accept. Loads moving high-value electronics or fashion merchandise tend to pay at the higher end of the rate range.
Miami back to Atlanta is the hard part of this lane. Florida doesn't generate the same outbound freight volume it receives. Your best options are produce (tomatoes, peppers, citrus, and tropical fruit from the Homestead and Belle Glade growing areas), seafood, or return consumer goods. Produce loads are seasonal — peak availability December through May. Outside produce season, loads are harder to find and rates reflect it. Pre-book your northbound load before you deliver southbound or you'll sit in Doral for a day.
What do the Florida Turnpike tolls actually cost for a semi?
For a 5-axle combination, the full Turnpike from Wildwood to Miami runs $35–$42 depending on whether you use SunPass or cash. Get a SunPass transponder if you run Florida regularly — cash toll rates are significantly higher.
Where are the weigh stations on this lane in Florida?
Florida uses weigh-in-motion scales embedded in the pavement at several points on the Turnpike — your truck weight is captured without stopping. If you exceed limits, you'll get directed to a manned station. The I-75 Wildwood area also has traditional scales.
How do I find return loads from Miami that actually pay?
South Florida produce brokers are your best resource — establish accounts with brokers who handle Homestead and Immokalee growing area freight before you make your first Atlanta-Miami run. Walking into Miami cold on the load board is a recipe for a below-market return load.
Dispatch Service
TruckLeap dispatches dry van and reefer carriers on lanes like this — 6% fee, no contracts.
Our dispatch team finds Atlanta to Miami loads daily and negotiates top-of-market rates. Apply free.
Apply for Dispatch Service