How cost per mile is calculated
Fixed costs are spread over every mile you drive, loaded or empty. Running costs are added per mile. You get paid only on loaded miles, and factoring or dispatch fees come off the gross, so your break-even rate is always higher than your raw cost per mile.
Cost per mile = (monthly fixed costs ÷ total miles) + running cost per mile Break-even rate = total monthly cost ÷ loaded miles ÷ (1 − fee %) Target rate = (total monthly cost + profit) ÷ loaded miles ÷ (1 − fee %) Fuel per mile = diesel price ÷ mpg
Worked example
With the example numbers ($9,800 fixed, 10,200 total miles, 6.5 mpg at $3.90 diesel), fuel costs $0.60 per mile and fixed costs add $0.96, for about $1.87 per mile all-in. Only 9,000 of those miles are paid, and 3% goes to fees, so the break-even rate is about $2.19 per loaded mile.
2025 industry benchmark
| Cost line (fleet average) | $/mile |
|---|---|
| Total marginal cost | 2.336 |
| Driver wages | 0.818 |
| Repair & maintenance | 0.404 |
| Driver benefits | 0.210 |
| Tires | 0.050 |
| Tolls | 0.043 |
Source: ATRI, Operational Costs of Trucking (2026 edition, 2025 data).
Common questions
What is a good cost per mile for an owner-operator?
It depends on equipment and lanes, but ATRI's 2025 fleet average is $2.336 per mile with driver pay included. If you are well above that, look first at fuel economy, deadhead and insurance.
Should I include my own pay in cost per mile?
Yes. Paying yourself a set salary as a fixed cost shows whether the truck can afford you. Everything above break-even is then real business profit.
Why is break-even per loaded mile higher than cost per mile?
You pay for every mile but are paid only for loaded ones. Deadhead miles and factoring fees push the rate you need above your raw cost.
How often should I recalculate?
Monthly, or whenever diesel moves more than 20 cents a gallon or your insurance renews.