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Owner-operator cost per mile calculator

Add up your monthly truck costs, divide by the miles you drive, and see what you need to charge per mile to take home the pay you want and still grow the business.

Fixed costs per month

Costs you pay every month, whether the truck moves or not.

Running costs

Include empty (deadhead) miles, not only loaded miles.

Oil changes, repairs, tires and parking add up. Use your own records.

Your pay and profit

Money for the business: a down payment on the next truck, slow months, big repairs.

Cost per mile

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— · Rate per mile you need to charge

Fuel per mile
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Fixed costs per mile
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Maintenance and tires per mile
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Total costs per month
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Revenue needed per month
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These numbers come from the values you type. The starting values are only an example, not an industry average. Use your own bills and miles. This is not tax or financial advice. Confirm with a licensed professional before acting on these numbers.

How cost per mile is calculated

  1. Fixed costs: truck payment or lease, insurance, permits, plates, ELD and other costs you pay every month.
  2. Fuel: miles ÷ miles per gallon × diesel price.
  3. Maintenance and tires: miles × your cost per mile.
  4. Cost per mile: all of the above ÷ miles driven in the month.
  5. Rate you need: (monthly costs + your pay) plus your business profit, ÷ miles.

With the starting values ($3,500 in fixed costs, 9,000 miles at 6.5 mpg, diesel at $4.00, $0.20 per mile for maintenance, $5,000 of pay and 10% profit), the cost per mile is about $1.20 and the rate you need is about $1.94 per mile. These are example numbers, not an industry average.

Count every mile, not only loaded miles

Empty (deadhead) miles cost the same fuel and wear as loaded miles. If you divide your costs by loaded miles only, your cost per mile looks lower than it is and you may accept loads that lose money.

Your pay is not a cost of the truck

Cost per mile shows what it costs to keep the truck running. Your pay is what you take home on top of that. The calculator keeps them apart so you can see both: the break-even rate and the rate that also pays you.

Frequently asked questions

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

It depends on your truck, routes, fuel economy and insurance. Published ranges differ a lot between sources, so use your own bills instead of an average. Update the numbers every few months, because fuel and insurance change.

Should I include taxes?

This calculator uses your pay before taxes. To plan taxes, see the per diem and deductions guide. For tax advice about your situation, talk to a tax professional.

Does this tool save my numbers?

Only in your own browser, so they are still there next time. Nothing is sent to our servers.

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