Say YES to Loads Faster - Profit Made Simple (5-Minute Guide)

Step 1: Gather 5 Key Details

Before committing to a load, confirm these numbers with the broker (or check the rate confirmation):

1. Total pay for the load (include fuel surcharge if applicable)
2. Loaded miles
3. Deadhead miles (miles to the pickup)
4. Extras such as tolls or lumper fees
5. Fuel cost and your MPG

Step 2: Calculate RPM (Revenue per Mile)

Use this quick formula:
RPM = Total Pay ÷ Loaded Miles

Example: $1,755 ÷ 650 = $2.70 per mile

Step 3: Calculate CPM (Cost per Mile)

A fast way to estimate your costs:

• Fuel cost per mile = Pump price ÷ MPG
• Add $0.60 per mile to cover other expenses (truck payment, insurance, tires, maintenance, ELD, etc.)
• Adjust later with your actual numbers.

Example: $3.85 ÷ 7 mpg = $0.55 fuel/mi → $0.55 + $0.60 = $1.15 per mile

💡 Tip: Always account for deadhead. If you’re driving 100+ empty miles, your real CPM increases—so be selective.

Step 4: Make the YES/NO Decision

• Say YES if: RPM ≥ CPM + $0.40/mi (a solid profit margin)
• Say NO if it doesn’t meet that threshold.

Examples:

• RPM $2.70 vs CPM $1.15 → $1.55 profit/mi → YES
• RPM $1.60 vs CPM $1.15 → only $0.45 profit/mi → likely NO once deadhead/tolls are included

Deadhead Rule of Thumb

• Under 50 miles: Okay
• 50–100 miles: Only if pay is strong
• 100+ miles: Usually not worth it, unless the rate is exceptional

Mini Load Calculator (Keep Handy)

• Pay: ________
• Loaded miles: ________ → RPM = Pay ÷ Loaded miles
• Pump price: ________ ÷ MPG: ________ → Fuel/mi = ________
• Other costs/mi: $0.60 (adjust later)
• CPM = Fuel/mi + Other costs/mi
• Decision: Is RPM − CPM ≥ $0.40/mi? → YES / NO
• Deadhead: ______ miles (adjust decision if high)

3 Quick Tips to Boost Profits

1. Reduce deadhead: Choose closer pickups and link drops so the next pickup is nearby.
2. Buy fuel smart: Focus on fuel cost per mile (price ÷ MPG), not just the pump price.
3. Keep documents clean: Snap BOL/POD at the dock—it speeds up payment.

FAQs

• What’s the difference between RPM and CPM?
  • RPM = revenue per loaded mile.
  • CPM = your total cost per mile (including deadhead).
  • Only book if RPM beats CPM by a safe margin.
• How do I estimate CPM quickly?
  • Fuel per mile (price ÷ MPG) + about $0.60 for all other costs. Refine with your own numbers later.
• Do I count deadhead?
  • Yes. High deadhead can wipe out profits. Either pass on the load or negotiate higher pay.

You can run these numbers with a notepad. Or, if you want speed and accuracy, Fenderr calculates RPM/CPM (with deadhead included), lets you dispatch by text, and generates invoices quickly. Use it when you’re ready.

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