TRUCKING FROM Trucking cost per mile & load profit calculator
Free, no signup. Find your break-even cost per mile, check whether a load really makes money after deadhead and factoring fees, and see how long your cash lasts. Your numbers stay in your browser. Save it to your phone for one-tap access.
Your monthly costs
Replace the example numbers with your own. Everything calculates as you type.
Check a load offer
Uses your cost per mile from step 1.
How long can you last?
Brokers often pay in 30-60 days. Can your cash cover costs until the money lands?
📱 Save this calculator to your phone
Put it on your home screen like an app, so it's one tap away when a broker calls with a load. It works without signal, and your numbers stay saved.
- Open this page in Safari (it also works in Chrome on iOS 16.4 or newer).
- Tap the Share button ⬆︎: the square with an arrow, at the bottom of the screen (top right on iPad).
- Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen.
- Tap Add. The Load Calc icon shows up on your home screen.
- Samsung Internet: tap the menu ☰ at the bottom right, then Add page to → Home screen → Add.
- Chrome on Samsung: tap the three dots ⋮ at the top right, then Add to home screen (or Install app) → Install.
- Find Load Calc on your home screen. You can drag it next to your load board app.
- In Chrome, tap the three dots ⋮ at the top right.
- Tap Add to home screen or Install app.
- Tap Install (or Add). The Load Calc icon appears on your home screen.
✓ You're using the home-screen app.
Want the full spreadsheet version?
Get this calculator as a spreadsheet you can save, plus the New Authority Roadmap, Deadline Calendar, Factoring Red-Flag Scorecard and Scam Field Guide. Free in the Owner-Operator Survival Kit.
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How to calculate your trucking cost per mile
Your cost per mile is what it costs you to run one mile, including the miles you drive empty. Add up your fixed monthly costs, divide by the total miles you run in a month, then add your variable costs per mile: fuel (price per gallon divided by MPG), a maintenance and tire reserve, and tolls. That total is your break-even rate. Below it, every load loses money.
Why total miles matter more than loaded miles
Brokers quote a rate per loaded mile, but you pay for deadhead too. A $2,500 load over 820 loaded miles looks like $3.05 a mile. Add 90 empty miles to get to the pickup and the real rate drops to about $2.75. Always judge a load on total miles.
Don't forget factoring and flat fees
If you factor, the fee comes out of every invoice, and wire or invoice fees add up. Read our guide to comparing factoring companies to see how a 2% rate can turn into 3-5%. For official filings and lookups, see the owner-operator resources page.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my trucking cost per mile?
Add your fixed monthly costs and divide by total monthly miles, loaded and empty. Then add fuel per mile (price divided by MPG), a maintenance reserve and tolls. The total is your break-even cost per mile.
Should I use loaded miles or total miles to judge a load?
Total miles. Divide the load pay by loaded plus deadhead miles and compare that to your cost per mile.
How much should I set aside for maintenance per mile?
It depends on your truck's age and miles. Many owner-operators budget somewhere around 15 to 20 cents per mile for repairs and tires, and more for older trucks. Track your real spending and adjust.
Does this calculator include factoring fees?
Yes. Enter your factoring percentage and flat fees per load, and the calculator subtracts them before showing your profit and minimum break-even pay.