Reproduce the default load estimate
This hypothetical trip has $2,700 linehaul plus $200 surcharge and accessorials: $2,900 revenue. It travels 1,100 loaded miles and 120 deadhead miles, or 1,220 all miles, in 22 total working and waiting hours.
| Step | Arithmetic | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Gallons | 1,220 ÷ 7 MPG | 174.2857 |
| Fuel | 174.2857 × $4 | $697.14 |
| Maintenance and tires | 1,220 × $0.25 | $305.00 |
| Other entered costs | $500 driver pay + $75 tolls + $300 fixed allocation + $100 other | $975.00 |
| Total entered costs | $697.142857 + $305 + $975 | $1,977.14 |
| Contribution profit | $2,900 − $1,977.142857 | $922.86 |
The unrounded profit is $0.7564 per all mile and $41.95 per trip hour. It exceeds the entered $700 target by $222.86. Rounding is for display only.
How pickup distance changes the decision
Hold loaded miles, revenue, MPG, fuel price and non-mileage costs constant. Only deadhead and the resulting fuel and maintenance costs change. These are hypothetical comparisons, not available loads.
| Deadhead | All miles | Fuel | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 miles | 1,100 | $628.57 | $1,021.43 |
| 120 miles | 1,220 | $697.14 | $922.86 |
| 300 miles | 1,400 | $800.00 | $775.00 |
Use the deadhead calculation to check rate dilution and the fuel planner to test pump price or MPG separately.
Build the quote, then reconcile it
Start with your operating cost per mile and assign a defensible share of fixed costs. The minimum load-rate calculator adds owner pay and target profit before you negotiate. Avoid entering the same driver compensation in both driver pay and another cost category.
After delivery, reconcile the settlement and take actual miles, receipts and deductions to the weekly profit review. Contribution here means revenue less the listed costs; unentered taxes, claims, depreciation and repair surprises remain outside the estimate.
Continue the owner-operator workflow
Return to the owner-operator calculator hub to connect the cost floor, quote, trip estimate and completed-week review.