How much does road freight cost per km in Australia?

General road freight runs $1.00 to $2.50 per kilometre, rising for specialised loads or remote lanes. Route economics drive the spread: Sydney to Brisbane loads run $800 to $2,500, while Melbourne to Perth runs $2,000 to $4,500 because trucks often come back part-empty from the west. Fuel levies move with diesel, and tolls and special handling stack on top. Tip: flexible dates plus a carrier already running your lane, ideally as a backhaul, is the reliable way to beat the headline rate.

Full ranges, drivers and sources: Heavy Vehicle and Freight Transport cost guide. See also: Towing cost, Trailer Hire cost, Removalist Costs cost.