Flat Rate: A flat rate is a single fixed price for a load, no matter how many miles the truck drives or how long the trip takes. It can be all-in or paired with extra charges.
Why it matters to owner operators
Flat rates are simple but risky on long empty miles or slow shippers. Divide the rate by total miles and expected hours to see what it really pays.
Example
A broker offers $1,800 flat for a 600-mile run. That is $3.00 per loaded mile, before empty miles and costs.
Related terms
Business & Finance: Questions about invoicing, fees or getting paid on time? Our dispatch team handles invoicing and broker follow-up for the carriers we work with. Talk to our dispatch team or browse the full trucking glossary.
Haul smarter with a dispatch team behind you
Nexloads finds loads, negotiates rates and handles paperwork for owner operators and small fleets. No forced dispatch and no long-term contracts.