In trucking, profit isn’t about how much you make per load — it’s about how much you keep per mile. That’s why every carrier, from single owner-operators to fleets, needs to know their Cost Per Mile (CPM). Without it, you’re guessing if a load is worth taking.
What is Cost Per Mile?
Cost Per Mile is the total cost to run your truck divided by the total miles you drive. This includes every expense: fuel, insurance, truck payments, maintenance, permits, tolls, and even your own pay.
Formula:
Total Expenses ÷ Total Miles = Cost Per Mile
Example:
If your expenses for the month are $15,000 and you run 12,000 miles, your CPM is $1.25.
Why Cost Per Mile Matters?
- If you know your CPM, you know your break-even point — the bare minimum rate you must charge to avoid losing money. If a broker offers $1.35/mile and your CPM is $1.25, that leaves you with $0.10/mile profit. Run 2,500 miles that week, and that’s only $250 in profit — not enough for most drivers.
- Knowing your CPM also helps you negotiate better. When you can confidently say, “I can’t run for less than $X/mile”, you stop taking cheap freight that drains your business.
How to Lower Your Cost Per Mile?
- Cut Deadhead Miles – Every empty mile raises your CPM without paying you a dime.
- Plan Your Maintenance – Preventive repairs are cheaper than breakdowns.
- Find Better Lanes – High-paying lanes that match your truck’s return trips keep you profitable.
How we Help Carriers with CPM?
As a professional dispatcher, one of our jobs is to make sure every load you take runs above your cost per mile — not just “good enough.” We plan lanes, reduce deadhead, and negotiate rates so you keep more of what you earn.
If you want to see how much more profitable your weeks could be, text us on (216) 285-1331 or write an email at ops@rrlogistix.com with Subject as CPM – [Your Equipment Type]. One of our professional dispatchers will connect with you within 24 hours of your submission