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Trucking in Virginia

Owner-operator guide for Virginia (VA) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Richmond state.

Quick Stats

Freight Volume

very high

O-O Friendly

6/10

Fuel Tax

28.7 c/gal

Parking

limited

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/Mile
Dry Van$2.50
Reefer$2.85
Flatbed$3.05

Key Highways

I-95I-64I-81I-77I-66I-85

These corridors connect Virginia's major freight cities: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, Chesapeake. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.

Top Industries

1Military/defense
2Agriculture
3Technology
4Port logistics
5Government
6Manufacturing

Top Shippers

Port of Virginia (Norfolk)

Amazon (10+ FCs)

Newport News Shipbuilding

Military bases

Walmart DCs

Trucking Regulations

  • Port of Virginia growing fast
  • I-81 major north-south freight corridor
  • DC-area congestion among worst in nation
  • Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel $30+ and terrifying in wind

Toll Roads & Winter Conditions

Toll Information

I-66 tolls; Dulles Toll Road; Bay Bridge-Tunnel $30+

Winter Conditions

Moderate; Shenandoah Valley ice; Blue Ridge fog

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Virginia

In Virginia, dry van rates average $2.50/mile, reefer rates average $2.85/mile, and flatbed rates average $3.05/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Virginia scores 6/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has very high freight volume with limited truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Military/defense, Agriculture, Technology.
Key trucking regulations in Virginia include: Port of Virginia growing fast. I-81 major north-south freight corridor. DC-area congestion among worst in nation. Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel $30+ and terrifying in wind. The state fuel tax rate is 28.7 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Virginia are I-95, I-64, I-81, I-77, I-66, I-85. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, Chesapeake. I-66 tolls; Dulles Toll Road; Bay Bridge-Tunnel $30+.