Break-even Rate Per Mile Calculator

Know the minimum $/mile you must charge to cover fuel, fixed monthly costs, and variable operating costs.

Full Cost Per Mile Back to Tools Hub

Calculator Inputs

Miles you expect to run this month.

Insurance, Truck Payment, ELD

Maintenance, Tires, Tolls

Add your desired income per mile on top of break-even.

Break-even Rate Per Mile
$0.0000/mi

Minimum $/mi to cover all expenses.

Monthly Break-even Revenue $0.00

Cost Breakdown All $/mi

Fuel Cost $0.0000/mi
Fixed Cost Allocation $0.0000/mi
Variable (Non-fuel) $0.0000/mi

How break-even rate per mile is calculated

Finding your break-even point is the difference between operating a hobby and running a profitable trucking business.

  • 1.
    Fuel CPM: Fuel Price per gallon divided by MPG.
  • 2.
    Fixed CPM: Your total monthly bills (the "nut") divided by the number of miles you drive.
  • 3.
    Variable CPM: Per-mile costs for maintenance, tires, and wear.

Critical Insight

Miles drive your costs down: Since fixed costs (like insurance) don't change based on miles, driving more miles lowers your break-even $/mi.

Tip: Use a conservative MPG in your math to ensure you don't underbid in harsh weather or heavy load conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is break-even rate the same as a "good" rate?
No. Break-even is strictly the point where you make $0 profit. A "good" rate covers your break-even plus your desired profit margin and a buffer for unexpected repairs.
What should go into fixed vs variable costs?
Fixed: Costs you pay even if the truck sits still (Insurance, truck payment, ELD subscription, permits). Variable: Costs that only happen when wheels are turning (Maintenance reserves, tires, oil changes, tolls).
Should I include driver pay as a cost?
Yes. If you pay a driver, it's an expense. If you are the owner-driver, you can either treat your salary as a fixed cost or treat the "Profit" portion of your suggested rate as your take-home pay.

Next steps for load planning

Fuel CPM Calculator

Quickly update your fuel costs when diesel prices fluctuate.

Open Tool →

Cost Per Mile (Full)

Build a detailed operating cost baseline with itemized lists.

Open Tool →

Profit Per Mile

Calculate exact profit after you negotiate a rate with a broker.

Open Tool →

Education tool only. Verify against actual financials.

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