Empty miles are 10% of the trip. Still worth checking against the next available load.
Free trucking calculator
Check if a load is actually worth running.
Estimate load profit after deadhead, fuel, tolls, and operating costs. Use it for one quick decision, then move into Freight Pilot when you need to compare several loads at once.
Sample result$1,092 estimated profit
Effective rate: $2.62 / mile after 75 empty miles.
Decision checks
What this load is telling you
Effective rate stays close to gross rate at $2.62 per mile.
Fuel is about 23% of revenue based on your MPG and fuel price.
How to use the result
Gross rate is only the first number
A load can look strong on rate per mile and still become weak after empty miles, fuel, tolls, and positioning. This calculator gives you a quick one-load estimate. Freight Pilot is built for the next step: comparing multiple loads, ranking options, and keeping your truck assumptions ready.
Use effective rate per mile
Gross rate per mile only divides the rate by loaded miles. Effective rate includes deadhead, so it is a better snapshot of what the truck actually has to run.
Include real operating costs
Fuel is the obvious cost, but maintenance, tires, insurance reserve, tolls, parking, and load-specific fees can change the decision quickly.
Compare against alternatives
A load can be acceptable on its own and still be the wrong choice if another load pays better, has less empty mileage, or positions the truck into a better lane.
Ready for more than one load?
Use Freight Pilot to compare load options side by side
Save truck assumptions, import loads, compare route options, and review why one option ranks better than another.
Calculator FAQs
Common questions before you book a load
What is effective rate per mile?
Effective rate per mile divides the load rate by loaded miles plus deadhead miles. It is often more useful than gross rate per mile because the truck has to run all of those miles.
Should I include deadhead miles?
Yes. Deadhead miles use fuel, time, and equipment life even when they are not paid loaded miles. A load with high deadhead needs stronger pay or better lane positioning.
What costs should I include?
At minimum, include fuel, tolls, and load-specific costs. For a stricter estimate, add a non-fuel cost per mile for maintenance, tires, insurance reserve, and truck ownership costs.
Does this replace dispatch judgment?
No. This is a quick estimate. You should still verify appointments, broker terms, accessorials, truck routing, restrictions, parking, weather, and hours-of-service fit.