What this page answers
- 1. Which formulas drive profitability decisions
- 2. Which cost assumptions are applied by default
- 3. How ad and affiliate relationships are disclosed
Methodology and Disclosure · Reviewed August 27, 2026
How Freight Rate Calculator works
This page shows every core formula, default assumption, and disclosure used across the site. You can audit the math quickly, then apply your own lane numbers before making a booking decision.
Formula transparency
| Metric | Formula | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Total miles | loaded miles + deadhead miles | Captures both paid and unpaid distance. |
| Total revenue | offered load pay + detention pay | Uses cash coming in before cost deductions. |
| Fuel cost | (total miles / MPG) x diesel price | Lane fuel assumptions materially change margin. |
| Variable operating cost | total miles x (maintenance + tires + insurance/permits per mile) | Applies per-mile drag to both loaded and deadhead miles. |
| Broker fee | total revenue x (broker fee percent / 100) | Reduces your realized revenue on many spot loads. |
| Total trip cost | fuel + variable cost + fixed trip overhead + broker fee + tolls | Combined cost baseline for go/no-go decisions. |
| Net profit | total revenue - total trip cost | Primary dollar outcome. |
| Margin percent | (net profit / total revenue) x 100 | Used for viability classification. |
| Breakeven RPM | total trip cost / loaded miles | Minimum loaded-mile quote needed to avoid loss. |
| All-in RPM | total revenue / total miles | Shows actual trip quality after deadhead. |
Default assumptions
- Fixed trip overhead: $140.00
- Maintenance: $0.24/mi
- Tires: $0.06/mi
- Insurance and permits: $0.18/mi
- Average driving speed: 52 mph
- Non-driving time per trip: 3 hrs
These are baseline placeholders, not universal standards.
How to use this responsibly
- 1. Replace defaults with your lane-specific values.
- 2. Compare at least two competing offers.
- 3. Treat borderline margins as negotiation opportunities.
- 4. Re-run numbers when fuel or deadhead assumptions change.
Primary operating references
- U.S. EIA weekly diesel prices — Public fuel-price benchmark; replace it with the expected lane price.
- FMCSA hours-of-service rules — Driving-time context; this calculator is not an electronic log or compliance tool.
- FMCSA registration overview — Authority and registration context; verify requirements for the carrier and operation.
Formula logic, visible defaults, and source links were reviewed August 27, 2026.
Affiliate disclosure
Some recommendations on this site are affiliate links. If you click a partner link and sign up, we may receive a commission. This does not increase your cost.
Partner placement is based on relevance to owner-operator decisions such as fuel savings, load sourcing, and cash-flow support.
Advertising disclosure
This site displays ad units in selected informational sections. Ads are marked as sponsored content and are kept outside core input/result interactions whenever possible.
We do not guarantee outcomes from any advertiser or partner tool.
Methodology FAQ
How is breakeven rate per loaded mile calculated?
Breakeven rate is total trip cost divided by loaded miles. Total cost includes fuel, variable per-mile costs, fixed trip overhead, broker fee, and tolls.
Why does this tool use loaded miles and all miles?
Loaded miles help compare broker quotes. All miles, including deadhead, show the true business outcome. You need both to avoid accepting weak loads.
Are the assumptions fixed for every carrier?
No. Default assumptions are placeholders. Update MPG, fuel price, tolls, and margin target for your equipment, lane, and operating style.
How are affiliate links and ads handled?
Some pages include sponsored links and ad placements. If you click a partner link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Next steps
Use the calculators below to apply this methodology to live offers.