Priority Dispatch LLC
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Load Profit and Deadhead Calculator

A load that pays $3.00 per loaded mile can pay much less once you count the empty miles to get to it. This calculator spreads the rate over all the miles you drive, subtracts fuel, operating costs, tolls and the dispatch fee, and shows your real profit and the lowest rate you should accept.

Empty miles to the pickup

Everything except fuel

Results

Profit on this load$774.23
Profit per mile$0.62
Rate/mile (loaded)$2.73
Rate/mile (all miles)$2.40
  • Total miles: 1,250 (12% deadhead)
  • Fuel: $730.77 · Other costs: $1,375.00
  • Dispatch fee: $120.00
  • Break-even rate for this trip: $2,193.51

This load covers your costs. Compare the all-miles rate with your cost per mile before you accept.

Everything is calculated in your browser. Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.

How to use it

  1. Enter the rate the broker is offering and the loaded miles.
  2. Enter the deadhead miles from where you are now to the pickup.
  3. Enter fuel price, MPG and your other costs per mile (from the cost per mile calculator).
  4. Pick your equipment to include the dispatch fee, then read profit and the break-even rate.

Sources

Questions

How much deadhead is too much?

There is no single rule, but many carriers aim to keep deadhead under 10 to 15% of total miles. ATRI found carriers average around 16.5% empty miles. What matters is the rate per mile across all miles, including deadhead.

What is the difference between loaded and all-miles rate per mile?

Loaded rate per mile divides the rate by loaded miles only. All-miles rate per mile divides it by loaded plus deadhead miles. The all-miles number is the one to compare with your cost per mile.

What is a break-even rate?

It is the lowest total rate that covers fuel, operating costs, tolls and dispatch fees for the trip. Anything above it is profit.

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