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Rate per mile: all-in vs. loaded, explained

Updated October 2026

When someone says a load pays "three dollars a mile," ask which miles they mean.

Loaded rate per mile

The pay divided by the loaded miles only. It's the number brokers and postings often quote.

All-in rate per mile

The pay divided by every mile you drive for that load, including deadhead. This is the number to compare against your cost per mile, because you pay for fuel and wear on every mile.

Know your cost per mile

Add your fixed monthly costs (truck payment, insurance, permits, ELD) and your per-mile costs (fuel, maintenance, tires). Divide by your miles. If a load's all-in rate per mile is below that number, it loses money.

Try it: Cost per mile calculator

Spending hours on load boards? A dispatcher can book loads for you. Find a dispatcher at CDLDispatch.com.

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