Load Profitability Calculator
Rate, miles, deadhead and cost per mile in; net profit and margin out. Know before you book, not after you deliver.
This load
Get this from the cost per mile calculator.
Net profit on this load
How load profit is calculated
- Total miles = loaded miles + deadhead miles
- Total cost = (cost per mile × total miles) + tolls, lumper and scale fees
- Net profit = load rate − total cost
- Profit margin = net profit ÷ load rate × 100
Two rates matter more than the headline number: rate per loaded mile, which is what brokers usually quote, and rate per total mile, which includes the deadhead it took to get there. A load that looks good per loaded mile can be mediocre once deadhead is counted.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a load is profitable?
Add up the total cost to run the load (your cost per mile times total miles, plus tolls, lumper or scale fees) and subtract it from the rate. If the result is positive and the margin looks reasonable after accounting for time, the load is profitable; if it is thin or negative, it likely is not worth it unless it repositions you for a better load.
Should deadhead miles count against a load's profit?
Yes. Deadhead miles cost fuel and time just like loaded miles, so they should be included in your total miles when working out true cost and effective rate per mile.
What profit margin should I target per load?
There is no universal number; it depends on your fixed costs, how often you run, and what alternative loads are available. Compare the margin here against your other options rather than a fixed target.
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Semi trucks 5%, hotshots 8%, box trucks 10% of weekly gross. OTR. No flat rate, no setup fee.