Cost Per Mile Calculator
Know what every mile actually costs you. Fixed + variable expenses divided by miles run — the number you need before accepting any load.
- Fixed + variable costs in one CPM
- Per-load and weekly breakdown
- Compare against any load offer
- Works for class 8, hot shot, and box trucks
Cost per mile (CPM) is the foundation of owner-operator profitability. If you don't know yours, you're guessing every time a broker calls. Our cost per mile calculator factors in truck and trailer payments, insurance, maintenance escrow, fuel, tolls, dispatch, factoring, and other deductions — then divides by miles to give you a real CPM number.
Most lease purchase drivers run between $1.60 and $1.95 per mile all-in. Hot shot drivers using a 3/4-ton or 1-ton diesel with a gooseneck typically land $1.10–$1.55/mi thanks to better fuel economy and lower equipment costs.
Once you know your CPM, every load offer becomes simple math: rate per mile minus CPM = profit per mile. If the answer is negative, the load loses you money no matter how good the gross pay looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cost per mile in trucking?
Cost per mile (CPM) is every dollar you spend to operate your truck — fixed and variable — divided by the miles you ran. It's the most important number an owner-operator can know. If your CPM is $1.65 and you accept a $1.55/mi load, you lose money on every mile.
How is cost per mile calculated?
Add fixed costs (truck/trailer payment, insurance, permits, escrow) plus variable costs (fuel, tires, maintenance, tolls). Divide by miles driven in the same period. Most owner-operators land between $1.50 and $1.95 per mile all-in.
What's a good cost per mile for owner-operators?
Lower is better. Under $1.60/mi is excellent. $1.60–$1.85 is typical for lease purchase. Over $2.00/mi means something's off — usually deadhead, fuel, or maintenance is eating you.
Does hot shot trucking have a lower cost per mile?
Usually yes. Hot shot trucks burn less fuel (9–13 MPG vs 6–7 for class 8) and have lower equipment payments. But insurance per mile can be higher, and small loads mean fewer revenue miles.
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