That Load Pays $2,000. What Does It Actually Pay You?

Because this load is why you're running them. If you deadhead 100 miles to a pickup, that fuel and wear exist only because you took this load — so they belong in this load's math. Rate per loaded mile flatters a load; rate per ALL miles tells you what it actually pays.

Your weekly fixed costs divided by the loads you run in a week. If your truck payment, insurance, and permits come to $1,100/week and you run four loads, each load carries about $275 whether you like it or not. The cost-per-mile calculator computes your weekly fixed figure — bring it here.

Usually, yes — and that's the point of running the numbers before you book. A load that grosses $2.35/mi can net under $0.80/mi after everything real is counted. Thin isn't automatically bad (repositioning to a hot market can be worth it), but it should be a decision you make, not a surprise you find at the bank.

In this calculator they apply to the linehaul rate, which is the industry standard. If your factoring company charges on gross including accessorials, fold that into the percentage you enter. And if you're paying a dispatch fee, the ROI calculator will tell you what rate lift makes it worth it.