Load Profit Calculator

Last updated: June 2026

Run the numbers on a load before you commit. Enter the rate, miles, deadhead, and fuel to see estimated trip profit and revenue per mile — both loaded and total.

Fuel and trip expenses only — fixed costs not included.

Tolls, lumper fees, scales, permits
Enter load details and click Calculate.

Trip profit vs. monthly profit

This calculator shows whether a single load covers its direct costs — fuel and trip expenses. It does not include your fixed monthly overhead (insurance, truck payment, permits). A load can show positive trip profit here and still leave you short on the month if your fixed costs are high. Use the Monthly Profit Calculator for the full picture.

Why revenue per total mile matters

A load paying $2.20/loaded mile looks better than it is if it takes 200 deadhead miles to reach. Always calculate revenue per total mile (loaded + deadhead combined) when comparing loads. The deadhead also burns fuel with no revenue to offset it — see the Deadhead Cost Calculator for that number.

Formula

Total Miles = Loaded + Deadhead

Revenue / Loaded Mile = Total Pay ÷ Loaded Miles

Revenue / Total Mile = Total Pay ÷ Total Miles

Fuel Cost = (Total Miles ÷ MPG) × Diesel Price

Trip Profit = Total Pay − Fuel Cost − Other Expenses

Example

$1,760 load, 800 loaded miles, 120 deadhead, $3.85 diesel, 6.5 MPG, $150 in tolls: Total miles = 920. Fuel = 141.5 gal × $3.85 = $544.85. Trip profit = $1,760 − $544.85 − $150 = $1,065.15. Revenue per total mile = $1.91/mile.

When rate per mile misleads you

Rate per loaded mile is a quick shortcut, but it can point you toward the wrong load when deadhead distances differ. Here's a side-by-side example.

Load A: $2.20/mile × 500 loaded miles = $1,100 pay. But the pickup is 200 deadhead miles from your current position. Total miles = 700. Fuel at $3.85/6.5 MPG = $415. Trip profit ≈ $685. Revenue per total mile = $1.57.

Load B: $1.80/mile × 600 loaded miles = $1,080 pay. Pickup is 20 miles away. Total miles = 620. Fuel = $367. Trip profit ≈ $713. Revenue per total mile = $1.74.

Load B wins by about $28 in trip profit and takes fewer total miles to complete — even though the per-mile rate is $0.40 lower. That gap gets larger if Load A's deadhead adds a few hours to your day. Rate per loaded mile doesn't tell you any of that. Revenue per total mile does.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good revenue per loaded mile?
There is no universal "good" rate — it depends entirely on your cost per mile, deadhead percentage, and the lane. A general target is to earn at least $0.30 to $0.50 above your total cost per mile on a loaded basis. Always compare any rate to your personal cost per mile, not industry benchmarks.
Why does this calculator show trip profit, not monthly profit?
Trip profit only accounts for fuel and direct trip expenses. It does not include your fixed monthly costs like insurance, truck payment, or permits. Use the Owner-Operator Monthly Profit Calculator to see your full picture after all costs.
How should I account for deadhead when evaluating a load?
Always calculate revenue per total mile (loaded + deadhead) rather than just per loaded mile. A load paying $2.50/mile over 500 loaded miles looks great, but if it requires 200 deadhead miles to reach, your effective rate across all 700 miles drops to about $1.79/mile.
What expenses should I enter in the "Other Trip Expenses" field?
Tolls, lumper fees (typically $75–$150 when required), scale fees, and any load-specific permits. Some drivers also include a per-mile maintenance reserve here — $0.08 to $0.12/mile is a common estimate for a truck in normal condition. If a broker routinely doesn't pay detention, leave it out of your profit math; don't count on money that isn't reliably paid.
Should I accept a load if the estimated trip profit is small?
It depends on your alternatives. Trip profit here only covers fuel and direct costs — your fixed monthly expenses (insurance, truck payment, permits) run whether you move or sit. A low-margin load that keeps you moving is sometimes better than waiting two days for a better rate. That trade-off is easier to evaluate using the Monthly Profit Calculator, which includes your full fixed cost picture.

Sources & Assumptions

  • All inputs are user-provided; no defaults assume a specific lane or load type.
  • Fuel cost covers the truck engine only — reefer fuel is a separate expense. Use the Reefer Fuel Cost Calculator for temperature-controlled loads.
  • Trip expenses only — fixed monthly costs (insurance, truck payment, permits) are not factored into trip profit.

Disclaimer: This estimate covers fuel and direct trip expenses only. Fixed monthly costs, taxes, and depreciation are not included. Not financial advice.