How to use this calculator
Enter the total load pay from the rate confirmation or load board posting. Add the total miles for the trip, including any deadhead to the pickup location. Then estimate your fuel cost, tolls, and any other trip specific expenses.
Optionally enter the estimated total hours for the trip (including drive time, loading, unloading, and any expected wait time) to see your effective hourly rate. The calculator will show you whether the load is profitable and by how much.
Making better load decisions
The rate per mile on a load board is not your profit per mile. You must subtract direct trip costs like fuel and tolls to see what you actually keep. A load posting at $2.50/mile might only net you $1.50/mile after expenses, depending on the route and fuel prices.
The effective hourly rate is often the most revealing metric. Two loads might have similar profit per mile, but if one involves 8 hours of detention time at the shipper, your hourly earnings drop dramatically. Time is money, and this calculator helps you see exactly how much money your time is worth on each load.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate profit per mile on a load?
Subtract all trip expenses (fuel, tolls, other costs) from the load pay, then divide by total miles including deadhead. This gives you the true profit per mile for that specific trip.
What is a good profit per mile for a trucker?
After direct trip costs, aim for $0.50 to $1.00+ profit per mile. This is separate from your monthly fixed costs (payment, insurance) which are covered by your overall cost per mile. Market conditions and lane availability affect what is achievable.
Should I include deadhead miles?
Yes, always. Deadhead miles cost fuel and time without generating revenue. Including them gives you the real effective rate for the entire trip, not just the loaded portion.
What is a good effective hourly rate for an owner operator?
Most owner operators target $25 to $50+ per hour after direct trip costs. Remember that monthly fixed expenses still come out of this amount. Include all time spent on the load, not just drive time.
How do I estimate fuel cost for a load?
Divide total miles by your average MPG, then multiply by the current diesel price per gallon. Use your actual recent MPG (check your fuel receipts against odometer readings) for the most accurate estimate.