Free tool

Rate per mile calculator

See what a load really pays per mile — including the empty miles it takes to get there.

Your numbers

The gross rate on the rate confirmation
Empty miles to reach the pickup
Set to 0 if you don’t use a dispatcher

Results

Loaded rate per mile
—
All-in rate per mile (incl. deadhead)
—
Pay after dispatch fee
—
All-in rate per mile after fee
—

Example values are filled in — replace them with your load.

How rate per mile is calculated

  • Loaded rate per mile = load pay ÷ loaded miles
  • All-in rate per mile = load pay ÷ (loaded miles + deadhead miles)

Example: a load paying $2,400 for 800 loaded miles pays $3.00 per loaded mile. If you drive 60 empty miles to pick it up, the all-in rate drops to $2,400 ÷ 860 = $2.79 per mile.

The all-in number is the one that matters. Compare it with your cost per mile — what it costs to run your truck one mile, including fuel, insurance, truck payment, maintenance and your own pay. A load is only profitable if the all-in rate is comfortably above that cost. Our fuel cost and trip profit calculator helps you estimate the fuel part.

FAQ

Questions about this calculator

What is a good rate per mile for an owner-operator?

A good rate per mile is one that is comfortably above your own cost per mile on an all-in basis, including deadhead. It depends on your equipment, lane, season and costs, so the best benchmark is your own numbers rather than a single industry figure.

Should I include deadhead miles?

Yes. Including the empty miles to the pickup gives you the all-in rate per mile, which shows what the load really pays for every mile your truck drives.

Does the rate include fuel?

Broker spot loads are usually quoted as an all-in rate that already includes fuel. If your load lists a separate fuel surcharge, add it to the load pay before calculating.

Want better-paying loads?

Our dispatchers find and negotiate loads for you, handle the paperwork and billing, and only charge 7% after the broker pays you.

Get Started
More free tools

Other calculators for owner-operators

Detention Pay Calculator

Turn your arrival and departure times into billable hours and detention pay.

Open calculator

Fuel Cost & Trip Profit Calculator

Estimate diesel cost for a trip and your profit after fuel, dispatch fee and trip costs.

Open calculator