Rate Per Mile: The Number Every Freight Professional Must Master

Loaded rate per mile = linehaul rate ÷ loaded miles. All-in rate per mile = (linehaul + accessorials) ÷ (loaded miles + deadhead miles).

Worked example

A load pays $2,400 for 800 loaded miles, with 120 deadhead miles to reach the shipper.

• Loaded RPM: $2,400 ÷ 800 = $3.00
• All-in RPM: $2,400 ÷ 920 = $2.61

If the truck costs $1.85 per mile to operate, the trip earns about $698 over operating cost ($2,400 − 920 × $1.85). Compare that with the next-best option before saying yes.

Try the calculators in the Freight Finance Simulator.