How the Rate-Per-Mile calculator works

Every formula, explained in plain language

The Freight Rate-Per-Mile & Load Profitability Calculator turns a load-board posting into the four numbers that actually decide whether a run is worth taking: true rate per mile, total cost per mile, net profit, and the break-even payout for the miles involved. Every field recalculates the moment you type, so you can counter a broker in real time.

The formulas behind each result

• Total trip miles = loaded miles + deadhead miles
• Gross RPM = gross payout ÷ loaded miles
• True RPM = gross payout ÷ total trip miles
• Total fuel cost = (total trip miles ÷ truck MPG) × fuel price per gallon
• Dispatcher fee = gross payout × commission percentage
• Net profit = gross payout − fuel cost − dispatcher fee − fixed overhead
• Cost per mile (CPM) = total expenses ÷ total trip miles
• Net profit per mile = net profit ÷ total trip miles
• Break-even payout = (fuel cost + overhead) ÷ (1 − commission rate)

The break-even formula divides by (1 − commission rate) because the dispatcher or factoring cut scales with the payout itself — raising the rate also raises the fee, so the minimum viable payout is higher than a simple sum of costs.

Using the calculator during a broker call

• Before you dial: enter the posting and note your break-even payout and target ask.
• On the call: if the broker's number is below break-even, you have the exact figure to counter with.
• After booking: hit "Copy Load Breakdown" and paste the summary into your dispatch notes, TMS, or driver's WhatsApp so everyone sees the same math.
• Every day: use "Save Truck Specs" once so MPG, fuel price, and overhead persist on your device — you only enter rate and miles per load after that.

Building an accurate fixed daily overhead

The optional overhead field is where owner-operators most often under-count. A realistic daily number usually includes a share of: truck and trailer payments, physical damage and liability insurance, permits and IFTA, ELD subscription, parking, accounting, and a maintenance and tire reserve. Add the monthly total, divide by the days you actually run, and enter that. The calculator then charges one day of overhead against the load you're evaluating.

Continue to the RPM & deadhead guide for target rate ranges by trailer type, or jump back to the calculator to run your own numbers.