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What a Mile Really Costs: Truck Operating Costs
You cannot judge a rate until you know your cost per mile. It has two parts.
Fixed costs
Truck payment, insurance, permits, phone and software. You pay these whether the wheels turn or not. Divide your monthly total by your monthly miles.
Running costs
Fuel, maintenance, tires and tolls. Fuel per mile is the fuel price divided by your MPG.
Use it
Add both parts. Any load that pays less than your cost per mile loses money before you pay yourself. Remember to count deadhead miles.
Try the cost per mile
Your true cost of every mile, fixed and running costs together.
Questions
How often should I recalculate?
Whenever fuel or insurance changes, or at least every quarter.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
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