Load Profitability Calculator
Enter the load details and get an instant breakdown of gross revenue, expenses, net profit, and a plain-English verdict: Is this load worth it?
Load Details
Enter one or both. Total rate overrides rate/mile if provided.
Expenses
Is This Load Worth It?
Great Load
Strong margin and profit per mile. Take it.
Expense Breakdown
What If the Rate Was Different?
Based on 800 loaded miles
| Scenario | Rate/Mile | Net Profit | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| +$0.50/mi | $3.00 | $1,873.35 | 78.1% |
| +$0.25/mi | $2.75 | $1,673.35 | 76.1% |
| Current | $2.50 | $1,473.35 | 73.7% |
| -$0.25/mi | $2.25 | $1,273.35 | 70.7% |
| -$0.50/mi | $2.00 | $1,073.35 | 67.1% |
How to Evaluate Load Profitability
Knowing whether a load is profitable requires understanding every cost associated with that specific run — not just the rate per mile. Here is what experienced owner-operators look at when evaluating a load.
1. Always Include Deadhead Miles
Deadhead miles generate zero revenue but cost you fuel, time, and truck wear. A load paying $2.50/mile over 500 loaded miles looks great — until you factor in 200 empty miles to the pickup. Your true cost-to-revenue ratio is based on all miles driven, not just loaded miles. Aim to keep deadhead under 15% of your total mileage.
2. Know Your True Cost Per Mile
Fuel is the biggest variable expense but it's not the only one. Your cost per mile also includes tires, maintenance, insurance, permits, and truck payments. Many owner-operators forget these when evaluating individual loads. Use our Cost Per Mile Calculator to establish your baseline — then see if a load clears that threshold.
3. Profit Per Hour Reveals the Truth
Two loads might have the same net profit, but one takes 10 hours and the other takes 20. Profit per hour is the real measure of how well you are monetizing your time. A short, lower-rate load can outperform a long haul on a per-hour basis. Aim for at least $40–$60 per hour net after all direct expenses.
4. Negotiate With Numbers
The rate comparison table shows exactly how much each $0.25/mile change is worth in net profit. Use this when calling brokers: "I need $2.75 to make this work — at $2.50 I am only clearing $X." Brokers respond to specific numbers far better than vague requests for more money.
5. Factor In Unpaid Wait Time
If you are regularly waiting 2–3 hours at shippers or receivers without detention pay, that time comes out of your effective hourly rate. Document detention religiously. FMCSA rules require detention pay after 2 hours — many brokers don't volunteer it. Ask for it explicitly in every load confirmation.
Profit Margin Benchmarks for Owner-Operators
These thresholds reflect variable-cost margin only (fuel, tolls, direct trip costs). After fixed costs like insurance, truck payments, and permits, your net margin will be lower.
How the Calculation Works
Gross Revenue: If you enter a total rate, that is your gross. If you enter rate per mile, gross equals rate per mile times loaded miles. Only loaded miles generate revenue.
Fuel Expense: (Loaded miles + Deadhead miles) divided by MPG, multiplied by fuel cost per gallon. Both loaded and empty miles burn fuel.
Net Profit: Gross revenue minus all expenses (fuel, tolls, other). Fixed costs like insurance and truck payments are not included here — those belong in your cost-per-mile baseline.
Profit per Mile: Net profit divided by total miles (loaded plus deadhead). This gives a realistic picture of what you earn on every mile driven, including empty ones.
Profit Margin: (Net profit divided by gross revenue) times 100. The percentage of gross revenue you keep after direct expenses.
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Truck Depreciation Calculator
MACRS, Section 179, and straight-line depreciation.
Track Every Load — Automatically
Flintrock OS connects to your ELD and load boards to automatically calculate profitability for every load you run. See trends, flag unprofitable lanes, and get tax-ready reports — all in one place.
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