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Calculator

Target Rate Per Mile Calculator

Find the minimum rate per mile a load must pay to hit your profit goal.

Quick answer

Target rate per mile = (cost per mile + desired profit per mile). To clear $0.60/mi profit on $1.85 CPM, you need $2.45/mi all-in.

Minimum acceptable RPM
$2.45/mi
On a 600-mi load
$1470
Formula
Target RPM = Cost Per Mile + Desired Profit Per Mile
Benchmark: DAT 2026 spot rates — dry van $2.05–$2.45, reefer $2.30–$2.85, flatbed $2.55–$3.10 (all-in).

How it works

  1. 1
    Start with your true CPM

    Pull from the cost-per-mile calculator — must include fixed + variable + driver pay.

  2. 2
    Pick a profit-per-mile target

    $0.40 is the industry floor; $0.55–$0.75 is profitable; $1.00+ is premium freight.

  3. 3
    Add them — that's your booking floor

    Instruct your dispatcher to refuse every load under this number.

Example: $1.85 CPM, $0.60 profit target

Minimum RPM$2.45/mi
On a 600-mi load$1,470
On a 1,200-mi load$2,940

Takeaway: Below $2.45 all-in, this truck loses ground every mile.

Key takeaways

  • Target RPM = CPM + profit-per-mile goal.
  • Reefer typically commands $0.30–$0.50/mi premium over dry van.
  • Flatbed adds $0.50–$0.80/mi for tarping and securement.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good rate per mile for trucking?+

In 2026, dry van averages $2.05–$2.45/mi all-in, reefer $2.30–$2.85, flatbed $2.55–$3.10. Your personal target should equal CPM + at least $0.40 profit.

Last reviewed June 15, 2026 by the Bonafide Trucking Solutions dispatch team.

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