Is that load rate any good?
Check any load offer against real operating cost benchmarks — free, no signup. See your break-even, profit margin, and whether to accept, counter, or walk away.
Free instant estimate — no email required.
What's a good rate per mile in 2026?
The average cost of operation for a truck has climbed to roughly $2.20–$2.45 per mile depending on equipment type — before you pay yourself. That means a "$2.50/mi" load isn't automatically profitable once deadhead, tolls, and dwell are factored in. A rate is only good if it clears your break-even with a margin left over, and your break-even is unique: it depends on your truck payment, insurance, fuel economy, and maintenance history.
How to use this check
- • Always enter your deadhead miles — a great rate with 200 deadhead miles is often a bad deal.
- • Compare the all-in offer, not the "linehaul rate" the broker quotes. Fuel surcharge is part of the deal.
- • The 20% margin threshold gives you room for the surprises: a repair, a tow, a layover day.
Why we built this
Load IQ was built for owner-operators and small fleets who want to know their numbers down to the penny — settlement audits, cost per mile tracking, rate negotiation, and margin reports on every load. This free checker is the quick version. The full app does it with your real costs.
