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operations calculator

Load Profit Calculator

Decide instantly whether to take a load — profit, margin, and break-even on one screen.

  • Updated July 10, 2026 · reviewed by the Bonafide Dispatch operations team
  • Free · no signup · nationwide (all 50 U.S. states)
  • 2026 U.S. freight benchmarks built in
Quick answer

Load profit = revenue − fuel − dispatch − per-mile fixed − tolls. If profit ÷ revenue is below 20%, the load probably isn't worth it.

Updated Reviewed by the Bonafide Dispatch operations teamFree · No signup · Works nationwide (all 50 U.S. states)
Quick facts
Category
Operations
Formula
Load Profit = Revenue − Fuel − Dispatch − ((Loaded + Deadhead) × CPM) − Tolls.
Inputs
8
Best for
Owner-operators & fleets
Inputs
Results
Load profit
$924
Profit margin
33.0%
Target ≥ 20%
All-in RPM
$2.24
Fuel cost
$740
2026 U.S. reference benchmarks
Reviewed quarterly · DOE EIA · ATA · ATRI · FMCSA · DAT/Truckstop
Healthy net per load
35% – 55% of gross

Source: Bonafide dispatch data, Q2 2026

Fuel share of load revenue
22% – 30%

Source: DOE EIA + ATRI, 2025→2026

Dispatch fee applied
5% – 10% of gross

Source: FMCSA dispatch surveys, 2026

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We book higher-RPM freight for owner-operators and fleets in every U.S. state — no setup fees, no contracts.

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What this calculator does

Decide instantly whether to take a load — profit, margin, and break-even on one screen.

Definition
Load Profit — Load profit is what's left from a single load after every direct cost.

Why it matters

Owner-operators and fleet managers across the United States — from Texas and California freight lanes to the Midwest and Southeast — rely on the load profit numbers to price loads, negotiate with brokers, and protect margin. Getting this figure right is the difference between a profitable week and a break-even one, and it's the same math our dispatchers run on every load we book.

Methodology

This calculator uses the industry-standard formula shown below. Inputs and defaults are based on Bonafide's day-to-day dispatch operations across U.S. carriers, cross-checked against FMCSA guidance and DAT/Truckstop market data. Results render as plain text (not canvas or images) so they're readable by screen readers, search engines, and AI assistants.

How to use it

  1. Step 1
    Quote at rate confirmation

    Run this before you accept — not after the wheels turn.

The formula

Load Profit = Revenue − Fuel − Dispatch − ((Loaded + Deadhead) × CPM) − Tolls.

Worked examples

  • Example 1
    Mid-distance dry van
    revenue
    2800
    loaded
    1100
    deadhead
    150
    cpm
    0.75
    mpg
    6.5
    diesel
    3.85
    dispatchPct
    6
    tolls
    30
    Result: Profit $1,114 (40%)

Common mistakes

FAQ

What margin should I refuse below?

Most owner-operators won't run below 15% margin or below break-even RPM.

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