Formula used
Total distance = Loaded distance + Deadhead distance + Return distance + Additional distance Fuel used = Loaded distance ÷ Loaded efficiency + Empty distance ÷ Empty efficiency Fuel cost = Fuel used × Fuel price Base trip cost = Fuel + Driver pay + Variable cost + Fixed allocation + Direct expenses Break-even revenue = Base trip cost ÷ (1 − Percentage-based fees) Recommended quote = Required revenue for selected profit target Net profit = Recommended quote − Total trip cost Profit margin = Net profit ÷ Recommended quote × 100
Percentage-based fees are solved as part of required revenue, preventing fee underestimation.
How to use this calculator
- Select currency, unit system, route type, and equipment.
- Enter loaded, deadhead, return, and local route distance.
- Add fuel efficiency, fuel price, driver pay, and operating costs.
- Enter direct expenses, accessorial charges, fees, and desired profit.
- Add broker, market, minimum, target, or premium rates for comparison.
- Select Calculate Load Rate, then review warnings and scenario results.
Example calculation
A dry van travels 650 loaded miles, 75 deadhead miles, and 20 additional miles. Fuel costs $4.00 per gallon, with 6.5 loaded MPG and 7.5 empty MPG. The calculator adds driver pay, fixed allocations, variable operating expenses, tolls, percentage fees, and a target profit margin.
| Input | Example value | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Loaded distance | 650 miles | Revenue-producing movement |
| Deadhead distance | 75 miles | Unpaid positioning cost |
| Fuel price | $4.00 per gallon | Fuel expense estimate |
| Driver pay | $0.65 per mile | Labor cost |
| Desired margin | 15% | Profit target |
Understanding truck load rates
Rate per loaded mile
This rate divides total shipment revenue by loaded distance only. It is useful when comparing lane offers. It can hide the financial impact of deadhead miles.
Rate per total mile
This rate divides revenue by every mile traveled. It gives a stronger operating view. Use it when evaluating actual truck movement and cost.
Deadhead cost
Deadhead consumes fuel, time, maintenance, and driver capacity. A lower deadhead percentage usually improves earnings. High deadhead should be priced into the customer quote.
Fuel surcharge
A fuel surcharge can be entered per mile, as a percentage, or through a baseline formula. Confirm the method in the rate confirmation. Avoid counting the same fuel adjustment twice.
Profit margin
Profit margin measures profit as a share of revenue. Markup measures profit relative to cost. These percentages are not interchangeable when setting a rate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good truck rate per mile?
A good rate covers every operating cost, percentage fee, risk allowance, and desired profit. It varies by lane, equipment, season, and market demand.
Should deadhead miles be included?
Yes. Deadhead creates real fuel, labor, maintenance, and opportunity costs even when no freight is on the trailer.
What is the difference between linehaul and all-in rate?
Linehaul covers the core transport service. The all-in rate includes linehaul plus fuel surcharge, accessorials, and other billed adjustments.
How is break-even revenue calculated?
It includes base trip costs and adjusts for percentage-based fees. Revenue at break-even produces approximately zero profit.
Can I calculate a flat rate?
Yes. Use the recommended all-in quote or compare a broker’s flat offer against calculated cost and profit.
Can I use kilometres and litres?
Yes. Select metric units and enter kilometres, kilometres per litre, litres, kilograms, and fuel price per litre.
Does the calculator provide live market rates?
No. Market values are user-entered unless the page is later connected to a licensed live rate-data provider.
How should detention be entered?
Enter detention hours for time analysis. Add the billed detention amount separately under accessorial charges.
Why are percentage fees calculated from revenue?
Dispatch, factoring, driver, and commission percentages often apply to gross revenue. Solving them from revenue avoids understating cost.
Can this calculator replace accounting advice?
No. It is an estimating tool. Verify taxes, contracts, insurance, maintenance, and business-specific costs with qualified professionals.