What is a good rate per mile for freight?

It depends on your cost per mile. Many owner-operators aim for an all-in rate of $2.00 to $2.50 per total mile for dry van, with a true (all-miles) rate above their break-even by at least $0.50 to $0.80. Reefer and flatbed usually target higher. The right number for you is your fixed and variable cost per mile plus the profit margin you need.

What is the difference between gross RPM and true RPM?

Gross RPM divides the load payout by loaded miles only. True RPM divides the payout by total miles, including deadhead. True RPM is the honest number for comparing loads because you burn fuel and time on empty miles too.

How do I calculate break-even on a load?

Add your fuel cost for all miles, your fixed daily overhead, and your dispatcher or factoring fee. The break-even payout is the gross that leaves you exactly zero net profit after those costs. This calculator solves it for you for the miles you enter.

Should deadhead miles be included in a rate per mile calculation?

Yes, for profitability. Deadhead miles cost fuel, maintenance, and hours of service with no revenue. Always evaluate a load on true RPM (payout divided by loaded plus deadhead miles), not just the loaded-mile rate the broker quotes.

Freight Rate-Per-Mile & Load Profitability Calculator

Paste a load off DAT, Truckstop or 123Loadboard and know your true RPM, net profit and break-even payout before you call the broker. Free, no sign-up, runs entirely in your browser.

Load Inputs

Load Rate — Gross Payout

Loaded Miles

Deadhead Miles

Truck Specs saved

Fuel Price ($/gallon) $3.85

Truck Average MPG

Dispatcher / Broker Cut 0%

Fixed Daily Overhead optional

Insurance, truck note, ELD, parking, etc. — per day, applied once to this load.

Target Net RPM (green threshold) $1.50

Load Viability

Enter load details

Results update as you type

Net Profit

$0.00

$0.00 / mile

Break-even minimum payout for 0 total miles: $0.00

To hit your $1.50/mi net target, ask for $0.00 or more.

Total Trip Miles

loaded + deadhead

Gross RPM

$0.00

gross ÷ loaded mi

True RPM

$0.00

gross ÷ total mi

Total Fuel Cost

$0.00

0 gal

Dispatcher Fee

$0.00

0% of gross

Cost Per Mile (CPM)

$0.00

expenses ÷ total mi

Where the gross goes

Gross $0

Fuel $0 Fee $0 Overhead $0 Profit $0

Estimates only. Fuel cost assumes deadhead + loaded miles at your average MPG. Does not include tolls, driver pay split, maintenance reserve, IFTA, or lumper/detention unless baked into your overhead figure. Always confirm broker rate confirmations before dispatch.

Learn more

How it works & formulas

Every calculation this tool runs, explained in plain language.

Good RPM & deadhead guide

What counts as a good rate, and why deadhead makes or breaks a load.

FAQ

Quick answers on RPM, break-even, and how your data is handled.

Freight Rate-Per-Mile & Load Profitability Calculator

Load Inputs

Learn more

Load Breakdown — Reliable Dispatch Co.