Trucking cost per mile calculator
Free cost per mile calculator for owner-operators: add your fixed and variable costs to get your break-even rate per mile and the rate you need to hit your profit goal.
How to use it
- Enter the miles you run in a typical month, counting empty (deadhead) miles too.
- Add your monthly fixed bills. For yearly costs such as plates, IRP or UCR, divide by 12.
- Enter your fuel price and real MPG from your fuel receipts, plus what you spend per mile on maintenance and tires.
- Read your break-even rate per mile. Any load paying less than that per total mile loses money.
The formula
Cost per mile = (monthly fixed costs + tolls) ÷ monthly miles + diesel price ÷ MPG + maintenance + tires + driver pay per mile. Target rate = cost per mile + the profit per mile you want.
Frequently asked questions
What is cost per mile in trucking?
Cost per mile (CPM) is everything it costs to run your truck over a period, divided by the miles you drove in that period. It includes fixed costs you pay even when parked (truck payment, insurance, permits, software) and variable costs that rise with miles (fuel, maintenance, tires, driver pay).
Should I count deadhead miles?
Yes. Use all miles the truck runs, loaded and empty. Your costs happen on every mile, so dividing by loaded miles only would understate what you spend per mile and overstate what a load pays.
Should I include my own pay?
Include it if you want the break-even rate to cover a salary for you. Enter it as driver pay per mile or as a monthly owner draw. Without it, “break-even” means the truck covers its costs but you work for free.
How do I use my cost per mile when booking loads?
Compare a load’s rate per total mile (including the deadhead to reach it) with your total cost per mile. Anything below your cost loses money. Our load profit calculator does that math for a single load.
Are the example numbers industry averages?
No. They are placeholder numbers so the calculator shows a result. Replace every field with figures from your own bank statements, fuel receipts and settlements.
This calculator runs in your browser and nothing you type is sent anywhere. Results are estimates for planning, not tax, legal or financial advice.