RPM, Deadhead and How to Read a Good Load

RPM is what you get paid per mile. The catch is loaded miles versus total miles. A load at $2.65 per loaded mile can become $2.07 all-in once you add the deadhead.

Always ask: RPM of what? Compare loads on the same ruler.

Deadhead is the empty mile to the pickup. It pays nothing, but it burns diesel and time. A 22% deadhead eats a good chunk of a pretty RPM.

Cutting deadhead is one of the most direct ways to increase what is left — without driving one more paid mile.

Take the revenue (RPM × loaded miles), subtract the fuel (total miles ÷ MPG × diesel price) and you have the net after diesel. That number does not include insurance, the truck payment or maintenance — but it already tells you whether the load is worth it.

Run three fuel scenarios (7.5 / 6.5 / 5.5 MPG) against today's diesel. Our calculator does it on the spot.

A reasonable all-in RPM for the lane, low deadhead, weight and car count inside your equipment, and a broker that pays. All four line up? Probably a good load.

There is no guarantee — markets move. But drivers who read the numbers accept fewer bad loads and finish the month better.