1020 miles · Est. 15.0 hours · Avg $2.55/mile · Gross $2,601
Lane Overview
1,020
Miles
$2.55
Avg rate/mile
$2,601
Avg gross rate
moderate
Competition
Dallas to Denver runs I-35W north through Fort Worth, then I-25 north through Amarillo and Colorado Springs. Consumer goods and building materials flow westbound as Denver's construction boom and retail market generate steady demand. Industrial equipment for Colorado's energy and mining sectors adds flatbed volume. Rates at $2.45–$2.65/mile reflect the 1,020-mile distance and solid but moderate demand.
The I-25 stretch through Raton Pass at the New Mexico/Colorado border has significant elevation changes — grade brakes required, and winter closures are possible November through April. Fuel up in Amarillo before the longer stretch north. Denver metro area congestion on I-25 is severe during rush hour — plan deliveries for 10am–2pm. Return freight Denver to Dallas (Lane 69) is good with agricultural and energy equipment heading south, keeping empty miles manageable.
Driver Tip
At 15.0 hours drive time, HOS planning is critical. Use our HOS Calculator to map your 70-hour cycle before dispatch.
Multi-Day Costs
Fuel Estimate
$378
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$10
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$2,213
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Driver's Complete Guide
Dallas to Denver is a lane that draws on two entirely different freight economies at either end, which is part of what makes it interesting. DFW's consumer goods distribution complex ships north to serve Denver's rapidly growing metro and the Rocky Mountain region behind it. Denver's energy and mining sectors — Colorado has active oil and gas fields, potash mines, and a growing tech economy — generate industrial freight moving in both directions. I've found this lane to be reliable without being spectacular, which is honestly what you want for a weekly run.
Northbound from Dallas: consumer goods and retail merchandise for Denver's 3 million metro consumers, building materials and construction supplies for Colorado's ongoing construction market, electronics and household goods from DFW's distribution infrastructure. Flatbed operators find industrial equipment, oilfield supplies, and structural steel moving toward Colorado's energy sector. Southbound returns carry agricultural equipment, food processing machinery, and consumer goods from Denver distribution back toward Texas.
I-35W north through Fort Worth, Waco, and Hillsboro, then pick up I-287 west toward Amarillo, or stay on I-35 to Wichita Falls and cross on US-287. The more direct routing goes I-27 north from Amarillo to I-25 north through New Mexico and Colorado. Raton Pass at the New Mexico-Colorado border sits at 7,834 feet elevation — this is the critical terrain point on the lane. Grade brakes are mandatory on the descent. In winter, the New Mexico DOT posts chain requirements for commercial vehicles at Raton that can materialize with short notice. Fuel in Amarillo before the northern stretch — options thin out significantly between there and Pueblo, CO. Denver metro delivery on I-25 is slow during rush hour; the I-25 corridor through the Tech Center (south Denver) is the worst between 7–9am and 4–6:30pm.
Moderate difficulty on this lane means rates are negotiable. Tuesday and Wednesday loads run strong at $2.55–$2.65/mile. Flatbed operators serving Colorado's energy sector can push $2.65–$2.75/mile for technical equipment with permits. Direct relationships with Denver-area construction material distributors or oilfield equipment companies outperform spot market rates meaningfully over time. Avoid accepting loads with short delivery windows that require hitting Raton Pass at night in winter — the operational risk isn't worth the marginal rate.
Denver to Dallas is the return and runs $2.45–$2.55/mile. Agricultural processing equipment from Colorado's food sector, technical equipment from Denver's aerospace and defense corridor (Lockheed Martin, United Launch Alliance, Raytheon have significant Colorado operations), and consumer goods head south. The return is reliable without the same freight density as the outbound.
How dangerous is Raton Pass for heavy trucks in winter?
It can close entirely during blizzard conditions. New Mexico DOT issues chain requirements on I-25 through Raton with sometimes only 30-minute notice. In January and February especially, check NMDOT road conditions at the state line before you attempt it. Some drivers reroute through Oklahoma City and US-287 west to avoid it when conditions are questionable.
What's the Amarillo fuel situation?
Amarillo has good fuel options on I-27 and I-40. Fill up completely before heading north — the stretch from Amarillo through Raton and into Pueblo has fewer truck stops with competitive pricing. Fuel in Pueblo is acceptable; Denver area runs higher.
What Denver delivery areas should I know about?
The bulk of freight deliveries land in the I-70 Commerce City corridor (northeast Denver), Brighton, or the I-25 Tech Center area in Lone Tree/Englewood. The downtown Denver delivery area is tight — smaller vehicles or dock scheduling at major facilities. Most large distribution centers are off I-70 east of downtown.
Return Freight
Denver to Dallas
1020 miles · $2.50/mile avg
Similar Routes
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