Learn the numbers
Trucking Guides for Owner-Operators
Short, practical guides that explain how trucking money works, each with a free calculator so you can run your own numbers. New to a term? Check the trucking glossary.
Costs & rates
Costs & rates · 3 min readHow to Calculate Your Trucking Cost Per MileA step-by-step guide for owner-operators: list fixed and variable costs, count every mile, and find your real cost per mile and break-even rate.Costs & rates · 3 min readHow to Tell If a Load Rate Is GoodA good load rate depends on your costs, not a national average. Learn to judge any load by your break-even, deadhead, time and the lane you end up in.Costs & rates · 3 min readHow to Reduce Deadhead MilesPractical ways for owner-operators to cut empty miles: plan reloads first, use backhaul lanes, partial loads and smarter home time, and know your deadhead limit.
Taxes & compliance
Taxes & compliance · 3 min readTruck Driver Per Diem in 2026: How It WorksWho can claim truck driver per diem, the 2026 rate of $80 a day, the 80% deduction limit, partial days at 75% and what records to keep.Taxes & compliance · 3 min readIFTA Explained: How Quarterly Fuel Tax WorksWhat IFTA is, who needs it, how the quarterly fuel tax is calculated by state, filing deadlines and the records you must keep.Taxes & compliance · 3 min readOwner-Operator Taxes: A Plain-English GuideHow owner-operators are taxed: self-employment tax, quarterly estimated payments and due dates, common deductions and how much to set aside.
Running the business
Running the business · 3 min readHow Much Does It Cost to Start a Trucking Company?A checklist of the real costs of starting a trucking company with your own authority: FMCSA filing, insurance, permits, the truck and working capital.Running the business · 3 min readRecourse vs Non-Recourse Factoring for TruckersHow freight factoring works, the difference between recourse and non-recourse plans, the true yearly cost of factoring fees and contract terms to check.