What is a good revenue per loaded mile?

There is no universal "good" rate — it depends entirely on your cost per mile, deadhead percentage, and the lane. A general target is to earn at least $0.30 to $0.50 above your total cost per mile on a loaded basis. Always compare any rate to your personal cost per mile, not industry benchmarks.

Why does this calculator show trip profit, not monthly profit?

Trip profit only accounts for fuel and direct trip expenses. It does not include your fixed monthly costs like insurance, truck payment, or permits. Use the Owner-Operator Monthly Profit Calculator to see your full picture after all costs.

How should I account for deadhead when evaluating a load?

Always calculate revenue per total mile (loaded + deadhead) rather than just per loaded mile. A load paying $2.50/mile over 500 loaded miles looks great, but if it requires 200 deadhead miles to reach, your effective rate across all 700 miles drops to about $1.79/mile.

Load Profit Calculator

Run the numbers on a load before you commit. Enter the rate, miles, deadhead, and fuel to see estimated trip profit and revenue per mile — both loaded and total.

Fuel and trip expenses only — fixed costs not included.

Enter load details and click Calculate.

Trip profit vs. monthly profit

This calculator shows whether a single load covers its direct costs — fuel and trip expenses. It does not include your fixed monthly overhead (insurance, truck payment, permits). A load can show positive trip profit here and still leave you short on the month if your fixed costs are high. Use the Monthly Profit Calculator for the full picture.

Why revenue per total mile matters

A load paying $2.20/loaded mile looks better than it is if it takes 200 deadhead miles to reach. Always calculate revenue per total mile (loaded + deadhead combined) when comparing loads. The deadhead also burns fuel with no revenue to offset it — see the Deadhead Cost Calculator for that number.

Formula

Total Miles = Loaded + Deadhead

Revenue / Loaded Mile = Total Pay ÷ Loaded Miles

Revenue / Total Mile = Total Pay ÷ Total Miles

Fuel Cost = (Total Miles ÷ MPG) × Diesel Price

Trip Profit = Total Pay − Fuel Cost − Other Expenses

Example

$1,760 load, 800 loaded miles, 120 deadhead, $3.85 diesel, 6.5 MPG, $150 in tolls: Total miles = 920. Fuel = 141.5 gal × $3.85 = $544.85. Trip profit = $1,760 − $544.85 − $150 = $1,065.15. Revenue per total mile = $1.91/mile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good revenue per loaded mile?: There is no universal "good" rate — it depends entirely on your cost per mile, deadhead percentage, and the lane. A general target is to earn at least $0.30 to $0.50 above your total cost per mile on a loaded basis. Always compare any rate to your personal cost per mile, not industry benchmarks.
Why does this calculator show trip profit, not monthly profit?: Trip profit only accounts for fuel and direct trip expenses. It does not include your fixed monthly costs like insurance, truck payment, or permits. Use the Owner-Operator Monthly Profit Calculator to see your full picture after all costs.
How should I account for deadhead when evaluating a load?: Always calculate revenue per total mile (loaded + deadhead) rather than just per loaded mile. A load paying $2.50/mile over 500 loaded miles looks great, but if it requires 200 deadhead miles to reach, your effective rate across all 700 miles drops to about $1.79/mile.

Disclaimer: This estimate covers fuel and direct trip expenses only. Fixed monthly costs, taxes, and depreciation are not included. Not financial advice.