Trucking Cost Per Mile Calculator
Fixed costs are spread over every mile you run, but you only get paid for loaded miles, so your break-even rate is higher than your cost per mile.
Trucking Cost Per Mile Calculator estimate
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How the estimate works
Variable cost per mile equals fuel price divided by miles per gallon, plus driver pay, maintenance, and tires per mile. Fixed cost per mile equals monthly fixed costs divided by total miles. Total monthly cost is divided by loaded miles, not total miles, to get the break-even rate per loaded mile.
Worked example
Example: $6,000 of monthly fixed costs over 10,000 miles is $0.600 per mile. At $3.90 diesel and 6.5 mpg, fuel is $0.600 per mile, and with $0.70 driver pay, $0.20 maintenance, and $0.045 tires the variable cost is $1.545. Total cost per mile is $2.145, but with 12% deadhead only 8,800 miles are paid, so the break-even rate is $2.438 per loaded mile.
Important limitation
Break-even is rounded up and margin is rounded down, on purpose: a break-even rate rounded down understates what you must charge. For context, the American Transportation Research Institute reported an average marginal cost of $2.336 per mile in its 2025 analysis of 2024 operations, or $1.854 excluding fuel. Your own numbers matter more than any benchmark. Insurance, tolls, permits, driver benefits, and unpaid detention are easy to leave out and all raise the true figure. Results are estimates only and are not financial, lending, legal, tax, or investment advice.
Assumptions and review
Formula review: July 29, 2026. This tool uses only the editable values shown above and does not pull live rates, prices, balances, or account data.
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Frequently asked questions
How does the trucking cost per mile calculator work?
Variable cost per mile equals fuel price divided by miles per gallon, plus driver pay, maintenance, and tires per mile. Fixed cost per mile equals monthly fixed costs divided by total miles. Total monthly cost is divided by loaded miles, not total miles, to get the break-even rate per loaded mile.
Is this trucking cost per mile calculator exact?
No. It is a planning estimate based on the values you enter. Actual rates, fees, timing, taxes, and provider rules can change the result.
Can I change the assumptions?
Yes. Every displayed input is editable so you can compare scenarios instead of relying on a hidden default.