Profit Margin Per Load
Calculate the exact net profit and margin on a completed load by itemizing all revenue and expenses line by line.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
This calculator provides a detailed profit-and-loss view for a single load. By itemizing every revenue source and expense, you can see exactly where your money goes and what your true margin is. Tracking this load by load helps identify which lanes and customers are most profitable.
The Formula
Worked Example
Line haul $3,200 + $150 accessorial = $3,350 revenue. Fuel $480 + tolls $45 + other $50 = $575 expenses. Net profit = $2,775 with an 82.8% margin. Note: this is gross margin before fixed costs like insurance and truck payment.
Practical Tips
- Track every load in a spreadsheet or app so you can spot patterns in your most and least profitable lanes.
- Fuel is typically 25-35% of revenue. If it exceeds 40%, look at fuel efficiency, route planning, or fuel discount programs.
- Always document detention time and bill for it. Unbilled detention is pure lost revenue.
- Negotiate lumper fee reimbursement with brokers before accepting loads to facilities known for lumper charges.
- Compare your per-load margin against your monthly target to ensure individual loads are pulling their weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What expenses should I include in this calculator?
Include only the variable costs directly tied to this specific load: fuel, tolls, lumper fees, and any trip-specific expenses. Fixed monthly costs (insurance, truck payment, permits) are better tracked in a monthly break-even analysis.
What is a good profit margin on a single load?
When looking at variable costs only (as this calculator does), a healthy margin is 70-85%. When you also factor in your share of fixed monthly costs, the true net margin drops to 25-45% for well-run operations.
Should I track profit per load or per month?
Both. Per-load tracking helps you evaluate individual decisions and lanes. Monthly tracking shows the big picture including fixed costs. Together they give you complete financial visibility.
How do I handle fuel surcharge in this calculation?
Add fuel surcharge to the revenue side since it is income you received. Your actual fuel cost goes on the expense side. The surcharge may or may not fully offset your fuel expense depending on diesel prices and your MPG.
What are accessorial charges?
Accessorials are extra fees beyond the base rate for additional services. Common ones include detention (waiting at shipper/receiver), layover (overnight delay), stop-offs (multiple delivery points), and hand unload/load. Always negotiate these upfront.