Cost Per Mile Calculator
The one number every carrier must know.
Your cost per mile (CPM) is your break-even rate. Any load that pays less than this loses money. Enter your monthly fixed and variable expenses along with the miles you run each month.
Total cost per mile
$1.245
Your break-even rate per mile
Fixed cost per mile
$0.395
Variable cost per mile
$0.850
Total monthly cost
$12,450
How to Use It
- Enter fixed costs you pay whether the truck moves or not: payments, insurance, permits, ELD.
- Enter variable costs that grow with miles: fuel, maintenance, tires, tolls, driver pay.
- Enter all miles driven in the month, including deadhead.
- Use the total CPM as your floor — negotiate every load above it.
The Formula
CPM = (Fixed monthly costs + Variable monthly costs) ÷ Total monthly miles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost per mile for an owner-operator?
Most owner-operators land somewhere between $1.70 and $2.30 per mile all-in, depending on equipment, fuel, insurance, and how many miles they run.
Why does running more miles lower my cost per mile?
Fixed costs like truck payments and insurance get spread across more miles, so each mile carries a smaller share.
Is cost per mile the same as break-even?
Yes — CPM is the rate per mile you need just to cover expenses. Profit only starts above it.
Let Our Desk Run the Numbers for You
Eagleview Dispatch weighs rate per mile, deadhead, fuel, and reloads on every load — 24/7, for dry van, reefer, and flatbed carriers. No forced dispatch.
All free tools
Results are estimates for planning only and are not tax, legal, or financial advice.