Understanding Rate Per Mile

Why RPM Alone Can Mislead

A $2,000 load over 1,000 loaded miles shows $2.00 RPM. Looks fine — but what about deadhead, fuel, tolls, and time?

🚫 Hidden Costs RPM Ignores

  • Deadhead miles: Fuel + wear with zero revenue.
  • Fuel cost: Your biggest variable expense shifts daily.
  • Tolls & fees: Direct hit to your net (not in RPM).
  • Maintenance: Tires, oil, repairs — miles still cost.
  • Downtime: Dwell at shippers kills daily revenue.

📉 Two Real Scenarios

  • High RPM, weak profit: $2.50 RPM but 180 deadhead + pricey fuel ⇒ net drops fast.
  • Modest RPM, strong net: $2.10 RPM with tight routing + planned reload ⇒ better profit/day.

💰 Focus on Net Profit

Track all-miles cost (loaded + deadhead), fuel efficiency, and fees. Compare against revenue to get profit per all-mile — the clearest view of performance.

Dispatcher’s workspace showing maps, loads, and routing tools

🧭 Dispatch smarter, not harder

  • Balance RPM with all-miles cost and time.
  • Plan reloads to cut deadhead.
  • Log every fee and fuel purchase — know your true CPM.
  • Grow broker/shipper relationships for steadier lanes.

Want better profit — not just higher RPM?

Our U.S.-based team plans lanes, reduces deadhead, and negotiates accessorials — so your profit per mile goes up.

💬 See How We Negotiate Rates 🚀 Start Carrier Onboarding