Use this free load profitability calculator to find out if a load is actually worth taking before you say yes to a broker. Enter your rate per mile, loaded miles, deadhead miles, and your truck’s cost per mile to instantly see your net profit, profit margin, and whether the load covers your costs.
Knowing your load profitability before you accept a load is the difference between running a profitable operation and working hard for nothing.
Load Profitability Calculator
Enter your load details to see if it’s worth taking before you say yes to a broker.
Load details
Your truck costs
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the rate per mile the broker is offering and the total loaded miles for the trip. Add your deadhead miles to the pickup location — those miles cost you money without generating revenue and need to be factored into every load decision. Enter any flat fees like tolls or lumper charges. Then enter your cost per mile and your truck’s MPG along with the current diesel price.
The calculator instantly shows your net profit, profit margin, fuel cost, and effective rate per mile accounting for all miles driven including deadhead.
What Is a Good Profit Margin on a Load
A healthy load should generate at least 20 to 30 percent profit margin after all costs. Below 20 percent and you are working with very little cushion for unexpected expenses, slow weeks, or freight market dips. Below zero means the load is costing you money to run.
Use the margin percentage as your decision threshold. If a load comes in below your target margin try to negotiate a higher rate before accepting. If the broker won’t move walk away — there will always be another load.
Why Deadhead Miles Kill Your Profitability
A 500 mile load paying $2.20 per mile generates $1,100 in gross revenue. Add 100 miles of deadhead to the pickup and your effective rate drops to $1.83 per mile when calculated across all 600 miles driven. That $0.37 difference matters enormously over the course of a year.
Always factor deadhead into your load evaluation. A load that looks profitable at the posted rate can turn marginal or unprofitable once you account for the miles you drive to get there.
How to Improve Load Profitability
If a load is coming in below your target margin you have several options. Negotiate a higher rate with the broker — most posted rates have room to move especially if you have a good track record. Reduce deadhead by finding a better positioned pickup or backhaul that puts you closer to the load. Improve your fuel efficiency through steady speeds and proper tire inflation. Know your cost per mile precisely so you always have a hard floor for rate negotiations.
Add the tool links section:
Before you accept your next load make sure all your numbers are dialed in:
- Cost Per Mile Calculator — Find out exactly what it costs to run your truck per mile so you always know your minimum rate.
- Fuel Cost Calculator — Calculate your exact diesel cost for any trip before you hit the road.
- Owner-Operator Readiness Calculator — Not sure if going independent is the right move? Get scored on your finances, experience, and business preparation.
Disclaimer: Results from this calculator are estimates based on the inputs you provide. Actual costs and revenue will vary. TruckerCalc is not a financial advisor. Always verify figures with your own records before making business decisions.