Return loads: Chelmsford to Colchester
Live loads, distance, drive time and typical rates for the Chelmsford–Colchester lane. Free to browse, free to contact — no membership.
Live loads on this lane
Filter the board →No open loads on this exact lane right now.
Check all loads around Chelmsford, or post a load free and carriers on this lane will find it.
Typical rates by vehicle
Estimated market rate bands for 29 miles, based on typical UK cost-per-mile by vehicle class. Actual rates depend on fuel, timing, load type and backload availability.
| Vehicle | Typical rate | Max payload | Pallets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small van | £33 – £47 | 0.8t | 2 |
| Luton / 3.5t | £39 – £57 | 1.2t | 4 |
| 7.5 tonne | £53 – £72 | 2.8t | 10 |
| 18 tonne | £67 – £90 | 9.5t | 14 |
| 26 tonne | £76 – £102 | 15.5t | 18 |
| Artic / 44 tonne | £90 – £121 | 27.0t | 26 |
Want to sense-check a rate? Use the free haulage cost calculator.
Nearby lanes
Chelmsford to Colchester — FAQs
How far is Chelmsford to Colchester by road?
Chelmsford to Colchester is approximately 29 miles by road, with a typical HGV drive time of around 38 min, depending on route and traffic.
What is a typical haulage rate from Chelmsford to Colchester?
For a full artic load, typical rates on this lane are in the region of £90–£121. Rates vary with fuel prices, load type, timing and backload availability. Use these figures as guidance, not a quote.
How do I find a backload from Chelmsford to Colchester?
Browse the live loads on this page, or post your empty vehicle's availability by listing your company free in the Loadmarket directory. Unlike traditional exchanges, Loadmarket charges no membership fee and no commission.
Why do return loads pay less than outbound loads?
A return load fills a journey the vehicle was making anyway, so carriers can accept a lower rate and still improve overall profitability. Shippers get cheaper transport; hauliers cut empty running — typically 25–30% of UK HGV miles are run empty.