Your truck costs money even when it's parked. Here is how to make sure every mile pays for your overhead.
You pay for Insurance and ELDs monthly, and IFTA quarterly. To quote a single trip accurately, you have to break those big bills down into a Cost Per Mile (CPM).
Example: If your insurance is $1,200 a month, and you average 10,000 miles a month:
$1,200 ÷ 10,000 = $0.12 per mile.
You would enter 0.12 into the Insurance box on the calculator.
Unlike insurance, Broker fees, Lumper fees, or specific tolls are usually a one-time charge for that specific load.
Do not convert these to a "per mile" cost. Simply take the total dollar amount the broker is charging (or the lumper fee you know you have to pay at the receiver) and put the whole number into the Broker / Lumper Fees (Flat) box. The calculator will add it directly to your total operating cost.
Always read the rate confirmation carefully before signing. The following charges are commonly buried in the fine print and can turn a profitable load into a money-loser.
Many brokers offer to pay in 1–3 days instead of the standard 30–90 days, but charge a 2–5% fee on your gross. On a $2,000 load that's up to $100 gone. Factor this in if you need fast payment, or factor the wait time into your cash flow.
If a broker books you and then cancels after you've already repositioned, they may owe you a TONU fee — but only if it's written into the agreement. Ask upfront.
Most rate confirmations specify detention starts after 2 hours. Make sure the rate per hour is written in. Without a written agreement, you have no leverage to collect it.
Some brokers will deduct damage claims or lumper fees directly from your pay without notice. Document the load condition at pickup and delivery with photos, every single time.
Know Your Numbers. Know Your Worth. — Built for Owner-Operators
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