How to pick the best load (not just the highest rate)
A high rate can still lose money if the delivery is in a dead area and you drive hundreds of empty miles to the next load. This calculator compares up to three loads by money left per day, counting:
- Empty (deadhead) miles to the pickup
- Loaded miles
- Empty miles after delivery to the nearest busy freight market or home
- Fuel at separate loaded and empty MPG (important for hotshots)
- Maintenance and tires per mile, dispatch and factoring fees, tolls
- Fixed costs (truck and trailer payments, insurance, ELD, phone) charged per day the load ties you up
The math
Net = Rate - Fuel - Maintenance - Fixed cost per day x Days - Tolls - FeesProfit per day = Net / Days
For every load that is not the best, the calculator also shows the rate you would need to match the best load. Use that number when you negotiate with the broker.
Example
Load A pays $1,800 but delivers to a rural area with 220 empty miles afterwards and takes 2 days. Load B pays $1,500, delivers into a big market (0 empty miles after) and takes 1.5 days. With the default costs, Load B leaves about $618 per day and Load A about $500 per day, so the lower-paying load is the better pick.
Questions
What should I put for empty miles after delivery? Put 0 if you expect to reload at or near the drop. If the drop is rural, put the miles to the closest place you usually find freight, or to home if that is where you are heading.
Is my data saved? Your numbers are saved only in your own browser on this device. There is no account and nothing is sent to us.