Compare the same week, not just the advertised rate
These two fictional company-driver offers use 60 working hours and 48 working weeks. Neither represents a carrier or market average. Extras are assumed paid as shown; verify guarantees, eligible miles and accessorial rules in the offer.
| Weekly assumption | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|
| Advertised paid-mile rate | $0.70 | $0.65 |
| Paid miles | 2,200 | 2,600 |
| Unpaid miles | 200 | 100 |
| Extras | $50 | $100 |
| Gross pay | $1,590 | $1,790 |
| Gross per all mile | $0.6625 | $0.6630 |
| Gross per working hour | $26.50 | $29.83 |
| Gross over 48 weeks | $76,320 | $85,920 |
A: 2,200 × $0.70 + $50 = $1,590. B: 2,600 × $0.65 + $100 = $1,790. The lower advertised CPM produces $200 more weekly gross in this example because more miles are paid. At 22% entered withholding and $100 after-tax deductions, planning cash is $1,140.20 for A and $1,296.20 for B.
Check what the rate actually pays for
Ask whether paid distance is practical route miles, dispatched miles or another basis; whether detention requires approval; and whether unloading or stop pay is separate. Count loading, waiting and other work in hours. The all-mile CPM calculator measures unpaid-mile dilution. The driver pay calculator compares CPM, hourly and salary offers.
The tools’ annualized outputs may use 52 identical weeks. For this 48-week example, multiply the weekly result by 48 yourself; do not compare the two annual bases as if they were equal.
Build a conservative comparison
Test fewer paid miles and longer waiting time before relying on an offer. Use the detention calculator for unpaid waiting, then the net-pay planner with your own withholding assumptions. Return to the CPM comparison hub for the full sequence.