This guide explains the issue in simple terms, what a carrier can do today, and where RGI Dispatch can offer practical support.
A good headline rate can hide a bad trip
Load-board prices are often discussed per loaded mile. Your truck also travels empty to pickup, sometimes waits at docks, pays tolls and must eventually reach the next suitable load. Profit depends on the whole operation.
Example: two different dry van offers
Consider illustrative offers, not live market rates. Load A pays $1,800 for 600 loaded miles plus 150 deadhead miles: $2.40 gross per total mile. Load B pays $1,650 for 550 loaded miles plus 25 deadhead miles: about $2.87 gross per total mile. Despite the smaller payment, B produces more revenue per total mile before expenses.
Revenue per mile is not profit per mile
Profit requires subtracting relevant costs: fuel, driver pay, maintenance reserve, equipment payments, insurance, tolls and dispatch fees. Some costs are fixed, while others change with distance and time. Use your own records rather than a universal cost estimate.
Time changes the calculation
A 600-mile trip completed over two days may tie up a truck longer than another shipment covering similar distance with better appointments. Factor in pickup availability, unloading method, potential detention and whether a reload is realistically available.
Calculate the deadhead both before and after delivery
The first empty drive to pickup is easy to see; the second may be forgotten. If a load delivers far from available freight, estimate how far you may need to move afterward. Treat that as a planning scenario, not guaranteed future mileage.
Use a simple decision checklist
Before accepting: confirm total revenue, loaded miles, initial deadhead, delivery market, time commitments, operating costs, shipper requirements and payment terms. Compare offers on the same assumptions.
How RGI Dispatch helps
Our dispatch support can help gather load details, compare route options and negotiate with brokers on the carrier’s behalf as appropriate. The carrier decides whether a load meets its financial goals.
Frequently asked questions
Is $3 per loaded mile always better than $2.75?
Not always. Deadhead, delays, delivery market and costs may change which load is more attractive.
Does dispatch fee reduce profit?
Yes. Include any contracted dispatch fee among your operating expenses.
Related carrier resources
Explore our equipment overview, new MC guide, dispatch support or free load plan request.