FREE OWNER-OPERATOR TOOL
Trucking cost per mile calculator
Work out what it costs to move your truck, then compare a load using all the miles it requires. Change the example inputs to your own numbers.
Estimated operating cost
$1.85 /mile
- Total miles for this load
- 680
- Estimated load cost
- $1261.14
- Revenue per total mile
- $2.65
- Amount above / below estimated costs
- $538.86
Estimates from your inputs, before tax. Defaults are examples, not industry benchmarks. Allow for delays and costs you have not included.
Track the actual load in TBOS →How the calculation works
Cost per mile = monthly fixed costs ÷ total monthly miles + fuel price ÷ miles per gallon + maintenance per mile + other variable costs per mile + driver or owner pay per mile.
The load cost multiplies that figure by loaded miles plus empty miles. The difference between total load revenue and estimated load cost shows what remains above the costs you entered. It is an estimate, not a guaranteed profit.
Why include empty miles?
The truck uses fuel and time before pickup and after delivery too. If you only divide revenue by loaded miles, you miss that part of the trip. Include repositioning miles that belong to this load in your own planning.
Replace estimates with a record
Use the calculator to plan. Then record real loads and expenses in TBOS so the next estimate starts with your own operating history. You can also use our free trucking invoice template to bill for a completed load.