03 / The math
Operating cost per mile = (fixed costs + variable cost per mile × all miles) ÷ all miles. Empty miles are in the divisor because they cost the same fuel and wear as loaded ones.
Break-even per loaded mile = operating cost ÷ loaded miles, adjusted for the share of each invoice that factoring keeps. This is the floor: any rate below it means the truck pays to work.
Revenue per day is the second test. A truck that must bring in $850 a day and spends two days on a $1,500 load has lost $200, whatever the rate per mile looks like. Waiting at docks, a long deadhead to the pickup and a late appointment all show up here and nowhere else.
Fuel tax is already in the pump price. IFTA does not add a new cost; it moves the tax you paid at the pump to the states where you actually drove, so a quarter can end with money owed or with a credit. The IFTA estimator shows which it will be.
The monthly example behind the default numbers is broken down line by line on the cost reference page.
The calculator gives planning estimates. It does not include income tax, self-employment tax or depreciation, and it is not tax advice.
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