Truck Cost Per Mile Calculator
Find what every mile really costs your truck, what each loaded mile costs after deadhead, and the lowest rate you can accept without losing money.
Tired of loads that barely beat your break-even?
We find and negotiate loads above your number, plan reloads to cut deadhead, and handle all broker paperwork.
How cost per mile works
Cost per mile (CPM) is the number every owner-operator should know before accepting a load. It tells you how much it costs to move your truck one mile, so you can tell a profitable rate from one that only keeps the wheels turning.
Your costs fall into two groups. Fixed costs like truck and trailer payments, insurance and permits stay the same whether you drive or sit. Variable costs like fuel, maintenance, tires and tolls go up with every mile you run.
Why deadhead changes everything
Brokers pay you for loaded miles only. If 12% of your miles are empty, every loaded mile has to carry the cost of those empty ones too. That is why your cost per loaded mile is always higher than your cost per mile, and why your break-even rate must be based on loaded miles.
Cost per mile by truck type
Equipment changes the math. A reefer burns extra fuel running the unit and usually carries a bigger trailer payment and insurance bill. Flatbeds add tarps, straps and more securement time. Power only drops the trailer payment but often runs more deadhead. Box trucks, hotshots and cargo vans have far lower fixed costs and better fuel economy, but the rates per mile are lower too. Use the truck type buttons above to start from typical numbers for your equipment.
Once you know your break-even, use the Load Profit Calculator to check each load offer against it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good cost per mile for an owner-operator?
It depends on your equipment and lanes. Many dry van owner-operators run between $1.50 and $2.20 per mile including their own pay. Box trucks, hotshots and cargo vans are lower. The only number that matters is yours, so use real figures from your bank statements and fuel cards.
Should I include my own pay in cost per mile?
Yes. If you leave out your pay, a load can look profitable while you are working for free. Pay yourself what a company driver would earn and treat anything above that as business profit.
How often should I recalculate my cost per mile?
Every month, and any time fuel prices, insurance or your truck payment changes. Fuel alone can move your cost per mile by 10 to 20 cents.
Should I include my factoring fee?
Yes. Factoring companies take a percentage of every invoice, usually 2% to 5%, so it works like a second dispatch fee. Leaving it out makes your break-even look lower than it really is. If you do not factor, set it to 0.
How do I find the rate I need to hit my profit goal?
Enter the profit you want per week or per month in the Profit you want box. The profit plan shows the rate per loaded mile you need at your miles, the gross pay that rate brings in, and your profit per mile. If the rate is above what your lanes pay, you either need more miles, lower costs or a smaller goal.
What rate should I ask brokers for?
Never go below your break-even rate. Aim for the target rate this calculator shows, then adjust for the lane: a load into a strong outbound market can be worth a little less, while a load into a dead zone should pay more to cover the deadhead out.
Results are estimates for planning only.