How to use this guide
Read the sections in order the first time, then use the headings as a working checklist. Keep one time period, vehicle or fleet definition, and set of units throughout the calculation. Replace examples with actual documents and note the source date when a rate or rule can change.
Save or download a calculator scenario only after reviewing every field. The site performs planning arithmetic; it does not validate the records, determine legal treatment, submit a form, or bind a carrier, customer, government agency, lender, or tax authority.
Reconcile revenue
Match linehaul, fuel surcharge, stop pay, detention, layover, TONU, lumper reimbursement, and other accessorial revenue with rate confirmations and supporting documents. Confirm the settlement period and whether a load is missing, duplicated, or deferred.
Percentage-pay drivers should verify the commissionable revenue base and rate used for each load.
Classify deductions
Separate current operating expenses, carrier fixed charges, fuel-card advances, cash advances, maintenance escrow, security escrow, insurance, equipment payment, chargebacks, and voluntary services. An escrow may reduce current cash while remaining subject to a separate balance and return policy.
Dispute unexplained items promptly under the contract procedure and retain the supporting correspondence.
Calculate planning net
Use the settlement calculator to total gross, deductions, cash before tax reserve, and all-mile planning net. A tax reserve is an owner's planning transfer, not a settlement deduction unless actually withheld.
Compare the calculated statement with bank deposit and accounting records. Do not treat settlement cash as final taxable profit without a complete business ledger.
Verification and decision checklist
- Define the business question and time period before collecting inputs.
- Use primary records and current official sources where they apply.
- Keep paid miles, all miles, revenue, cash, deduction, tax effect, cost, and profit labels distinct.
- Run a conservative scenario when price, miles, utilization, delay, or tax treatment is uncertain.
- Compare the planning result with the controlling contract, settlement, filing instructions, or professional review.
Update the calculation when a route, quarter, rate, carrier policy, equipment decision, or source document changes. A saved estimate is a snapshot of assumptions, not a live guarantee.
Important limits
This guide is general education, not legal, tax, accounting, payroll, lending, investment, insurance, dispatch, safety, or compliance advice. Do not use it to change duty status, exceed equipment ratings, disregard a warning, or make an emergency decision. Current rules, documents, and qualified advice control.