602 miles · Est. 8.8 hours · Avg $2.60/mile · Gross $1,565
Lane Overview
602
Miles
$2.60
Avg rate/mile
$1,565
Avg gross rate
moderate
Competition
Denver to Phoenix on I-25 south through Albuquerque, then I-40 west to Flagstaff, and south on I-17 into Phoenix is a scenic but demanding mountain-to-desert route. Building materials flow south to Phoenix's construction-driven economy. Consumer goods and retail merchandise keep dry-van demand consistent. Rates at $2.50–$2.70/mile are solid given the moderate difficulty and 602-mile distance through varied terrain.
Elevation is the major operational factor — I-25 through La Veta Pass hits 9,413 feet; I-17 drops nearly 6,000 feet into Phoenix. Engine brakes and proper downhill technique are essential. Winter closures and chain requirements are possible on I-25 through New Mexico's high passes November through March. Phoenix summer deliveries: temperatures above 105°F mean tire pressure checks and extended pre-trip inspections. Return freight Phoenix to Denver runs well with electronics and consumer goods heading north.
Driver Tip
Use our Load Profitability Calculator to check if this lane covers your operating costs before accepting a load.
Trip Costs
Fuel Estimate
$223
Based on avg diesel price
Toll Estimate
$5
Varies by route and state
Net After Costs
$1,337
Before your other costs
What Moves on This Lane
Common Equipment
Similar Routes
Driver's Complete Guide
Denver to Phoenix is a mountain-to-desert run that earns its rate premium through genuine terrain difficulty. You're dropping from 5,280 feet in Denver through high mountain passes, across New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert, through Flagstaff at 7,000 feet, and then descending nearly 6,000 vertical feet on I-17 into the Phoenix basin. Drivers who don't respect this lane's elevation profile pay for it in brake fade, overheated tires, or worse. The ones who understand what they're running do well at $2.60/mile with moderate freight demand supporting the rate.
Building materials are the primary southbound freight — Phoenix's construction economy has been among the most active in the country for years, driving demand for lumber, drywall, roofing materials, insulation, and hardware. These loads often run flatbed or step-deck. Consumer goods and retail merchandise from Denver's distribution complex head south to service Phoenix's growing retail market. Electronics and semiconductor equipment flows both directions between Denver's aerospace tech sector and Phoenix's chip fabrication facilities.
I-25 south from Denver through Colorado Springs and Pueblo, then south through La Veta Pass (9,413 feet — use engine brake on descent) into Raton, NM, and continue south to Albuquerque. From Albuquerque, I-40 west to Flagstaff, then I-17 south to Phoenix. The I-17 descent from Flagstaff into the Salt River Valley is the most critical driving section — the road drops nearly 6,000 feet in about 70 miles through switchbacks and steep grades. Use engine brakes consistently; service brake fade on a loaded trailer is dangerous. Winter chain requirements on I-25 through Raton Pass and I-40 between Flagstaff and Albuquerque can come with short notice from November through March. Check NMDOT and ADOT before departure.
Moderate difficulty plus genuine terrain challenge means you can hold rate on this lane more easily than flat desert corridors. Building materials loads with time sensitivity for construction projects pay $2.65–$2.75/mile. Consumer goods standard market runs $2.55–$2.65/mile. Electronics and tech equipment can push $2.70+/mile. Flatbed operators with building materials connections in the Denver suburban construction market can build excellent volume on southbound loads.
Phoenix to Denver on the return runs $2.55–$2.65/mile. Electronics from Phoenix's semiconductor cluster, consumer goods from Phoenix distribution centers, and fresh produce heading to Colorado markets provide return volume. The return up I-17 north requires a full fuel tank before the Flagstaff ascent — fuel in Phoenix completely before starting.
What's the chain law situation on this run?
NMDOT enforces chain requirements on I-25 at Raton Pass when conditions warrant — it's the most common winter disruption on this lane. ADOT can restrict I-40 east of Flagstaff and I-17 near Jerome Junction during ice events. Check both states' 511 systems before departure October through April.
How should I manage brakes on the I-17 Flagstaff-to-Phoenix descent?
Engage engine brake fully at the top and maintain a controlled speed around 40–45 mph on the steepest grades. Do a brake check before the descent at the rest area near Munds Park. Service brakes should supplement engine braking, not replace it. Drivers who ride service brakes all the way down reach Phoenix with glazed pads.
Is Albuquerque a good fuel stop on this run?
Yes — Albuquerque on I-25 or I-40 has competitive truck stop pricing. Fill up there before the Flagstaff stretch. Flagstaff fuel runs higher than Albuquerque consistently.
Dispatch Service
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