The foundation of every good quote starts with knowing exactly how far you're driving and what you're driving.
The Route (Deadhead vs. Loaded)
A common mistake is only quoting based on the loaded miles. The calculator asks you to split this up for a very specific reason: Deadhead miles still cost you fuel and maintenance, but they don't pay you.
Deadhead Miles: The distance from your current location (or origin) to the shipper.
Loaded Miles: The distance from the shipper to the receiver.
Pro Tip: The calculator adds these together to figure out your total operating cost, but it divides your required gross ONLY by the loaded miles to give you the Rate Per Loaded Mile you need to quote the broker.
Common Broker Trick: Brokers quote a rate per loaded mile and act like deadhead is your problem. It is — so make it their problem too. If you're driving 100 miles empty to pick up a 400-mile load, that 100 miles costs you real money. Always include deadhead in your calculation before you accept any rate.
The Rig (Equipment & Fuel)
Select your truck type from the dropdown. By default, this will auto-fill an estimated MPG (Miles Per Gallon) for that equipment type, but you should always adjust the MPG and Diesel Price to reflect your actual real-world numbers.
Heavy Hauler Custom Settings
If you select Heavy Hauler (Custom) from the dropdown menu, the calculator will reveal a hidden section specifically for oversized loads.
Permit CostsAdd up all state permits required for the route and enter the total flat dollar amount.
Escort / Pilot CarsEnter the total flat fee for your pilot cars for the duration of this specific trip.