TruckerListoHow the load profit is calculated
- Total miles: loaded miles + empty (deadhead) miles.
- Fuel: total miles ÷ miles per gallon × diesel price.
- Truck costs: total miles × your truck cost per mile, without fuel (fixed costs and maintenance).
- Fee: the pay × your dispatcher or factoring percentage.
- Profit: the pay − fuel − truck costs − fee − tolls and other costs of the load.
With the starting values ($2,400 for 800 loaded miles and 100 empty miles, 6.5 mpg, diesel at $4.00, $60 in tolls and other costs, a 5% fee and $0.59 per mile for the truck), the profit is about $1,135, or $1.26 per mile counting all miles, and the lowest pay that covers your costs is about $1,205. They are example numbers, not an industry average.
Count the empty miles
A load that pays $3.00 per loaded mile looks great, but if you drive 100 extra empty miles to get it, you are really paid less per mile driven. The calculator shows both numbers so you can compare offers fairly.
Where to get your truck cost per mile
Use the cost per mile calculator and add the fixed costs per mile and the maintenance per mile. Fuel is left out because this calculator works it out for each load with its own miles and diesel price.
Frequently asked questions
Is the profit the money I take home?
It is what is left for your pay and the business, before taxes. To plan taxes, use the quarterly tax calculator.
What if I do not pay a dispatcher or factoring fee?
Leave the percentage at 0.
Does this tool save my numbers?
Only in your own browser, so they are there next time. Nothing is sent to our servers.