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Haul Math

Before you take the load

Break-Even Rate Per Mile Calculator

The lowest rate per loaded mile that covers every mile you run, deadhead included. Anything under it loses money.

All-in, including your own pay. Don't know it? Use the cost per mile calculator.

Empty miles to the shipper, plus any empty miles after delivery you'll have to run to reach the next load.

Add a profit margin?

On top of your cost per mile, for every mile including deadhead.

Your result

Enter your cost per mile and the trip miles, then tap "Calculate break-even rate". The example numbers are already filled in.

How this calculator works

Break-even rate per loaded mile = cost per mile × (total miles ÷ loaded miles).

Your truck costs you money on every mile, but a broker only pays for loaded miles. When you drive 110 miles empty to pick up a 620-mile load, you run 730 miles and get paid for 620. The break-even rate spreads the cost of all 730 miles over the 620 that pay.

With a cost per mile of $1.85, that trip costs $1.85 × 730 = $1,350.50. Divide by 620 loaded miles and the break-even rate is about $2.178 per loaded mile. The same number as a flat rate is $1,350.50 for the trip.

Adding a margin

Break-even means you made nothing beyond the costs you put in. You'll usually want a margin on top. You can add it two ways:

  • Dollars per mile. The profit you want on every mile you run, deadhead included. Target flat rate = (cost per mile + profit per mile) × total miles.
  • Percent of the rate. The share of the rate you want to keep as profit. Target flat rate = trip cost ÷ (1 − margin). A 20% margin on a $1,000 trip cost is $1,250, because $250 is 20% of $1,250.

Your cost per mile should include what you pay yourself, so break-even already covers your wage. If you haven't worked out your cost per mile, start with the cost per mile calculator. To check a specific load with tolls, lumper fees, and extra pay, use the load profit calculator.