Why does this happen? Not sure but really does. Brokers pay top dollar to ship from NJ to TX and huge discounted rates to go back the other way. I guess some has to do with the south has less manufacturing. West has more produce and imports. Chicago has imports.
Density and less trucks plays a part. More trucks then freight plays a big part.
I guess that is why load boards are heavy on freight from North East. No need to post a load from CA to NY because brokers have their go to carriers all ready set up.