Trucking / Original practical explainer
A strong rate starts with the whole trip.
October fuel checkpoint
EIA reports U.S. on-highway diesel at $6.352 per gallon for October 26, released October 27. Use actual MPG and all miles when estimating the fuel bill; local prices vary.
EIA weekly source ↗The price for a loaded mile does not tell you what the entire trip earns.
Count all the miles
Example: A load pays $1,500 for 500 loaded miles. You also drive 150 empty miles. Loaded revenue is $3 per mile, but revenue across all 650 miles is about $2.31 per mile. These are illustrative numbers.
Count the whole cost
Build your estimate from fuel, truck and trailer costs, insurance, maintenance, permits, tolls, fees, and your own pay. Consider waiting time and how the trip affects your next load.
Check cash timing
A profitable invoice cannot buy today’s fuel until it is paid. Ask when payment arrives and what fees or deductions apply.