Learn the numbers
Short, math-first guides for owner-operators. Every claim shows its formula so you can check it against your own numbers.
What is cost per mile? Formula + benchmarks
The break-even formula, 2026 benchmarks, deadhead trap, 6 ways to lower it.
$2.22/MI GD-02Owner-operator startup costs (2026)
Setup + truck down + cash buffer: the true $35kâ$55k first-year math.
$35K+ GD-03Reefer vs dry van: cost per mile
The $0.19/mi premium itemized + which pays better.
+$0.19/MI GD-04How to file IFTA: quarterly walkthrough
Deadlines, 4 steps, surcharges, penalties. Q3 due Oct 31.
Q3 DUE GD-05Fuel surcharge explained
Formula, baselines, EIA proof + broker email template.
+$0.62/MI GD-06How to choose an ELD (2026)
True cost, contracts, FMCSA check, IFTA automation.
$165+ GD-07Cut deadhead, negotiate rates
Reload rule, walk-away rates, counters that win margin.
-15% DH GD-08Box truck cost per mile (2026)
$1.45-$1.95 all-in at 11 MPG, utilization trap, worked $1.61 math.
$1.61/MI GD-09Flatbed cost per mile (2026)
$2.25-$3.00 all-in: securement, permits, worked $2.36 math.
$2.36/MI GD-10Hotshot cost per mile (2026)
$1.50-$2.00 all-in at 10 MPG, CDL rules, deadhead trap.
$1.76/MI GD-11Tanker cost per mile (2026)
$2.40-$3.10 all-in: washouts, loading time, worked $2.49 math.
$2.49/MI GD-12Truck insurance cost per mile (2026)
New authority $12k-$20k/yr itemized, per-mile math, 5 ways down.
$0.13/MI GD-13Truck maintenance cost per mile (2026)
$0.12-$0.18 plus tires, reserve sizing, PM schedule.
$0.21/MI GD-14Detention and layover pay (2026)
$50/hr detention, $150-$250 layover, rate-con lines that pay.
$50/HR GD-15Owner-operator pay per mile (2026)
30% rule, $0.55-$0.70 targets, pay vs profit, W2 comparison.
$0.60/MI GD-16Toll cost per mile (2026)
Lane ranges, transponders, routing trade-offs, billing tolls.
$0.03/MI REF-17Trucking terms glossary (2026)
26 money terms with formulas and 2026 figures.
26 TERMS REF-18Trucking cost statistics 2026
26 dated, sourced stats. Cite freely with credit.
26 STATS GD-19Dry van cost per mile (2026)
$2.10-$2.80 all-in, worked $2.22 math, loaded rate targets.
$2.22/MI GD-20Sprinter van cost per mile (2026)
$1.05-$1.45 all-in at 16 MPG, worked $1.24 expedite math.
$1.24/MI GD-21Reefer cost per mile (2026)
$2.30-$3.05 all-in, reefer fuel, worked $2.48 math.
$2.48/MI GD-22Rate per mile explained (2026)
Loaded vs all-miles RPM, margin math, minimum rate formula.
$3.14 MIN GD-23MC authority checklist (2026)
7 filings in order, every fee, 3-6 week timeline.
7 STEPS GD-24Factoring and dispatch fees (2026)
2-5% factoring, 5-10% dispatch, worked $5,000 math.
$550 FEES GD-25Owner-operator vs company driver (2026)
$65k-$85k company vs owner net, risk, three decision tests.
$3.3K/MO GD-26Fuel card savings guide (2026)
$0.20-$0.60/gal discounts, worked $420/mo math, fee traps.
$420/MO GD-27Trucker per diem 2026 ($80/day rule)
$80 CONUS, $60 partial, 80% DOT deduction, worked $18,880 math.
$18,880 REF-08Owner-operator cost benchmarks (2026)
Planning ranges by equipment, deadhead math, and sources.
CPMPay, hours & penalties
Trucker per diem (2026 IRS $80/day)
Partial days, 80% DOT deduction, tax savings.
$80/DAY HOS-09HOS hours left
11-hr drive, 14-hr window, 70-hr cycle.
11/14/70 THP-10Take-home pay
Settlement minus costs and tax â kept pay.
NET/WK PNY-11IFTA late penalty
$50-or-10% plus monthly interest.
$50+ RNG-12Driving range
Legal hours vs fuel â what binds.
605 MI DHD-13Deadhead cost
Empty-mile cost and loaded rate needed.
15% DHGet the weekly truck numbers
Fuel, rates, and compliance notes for owner-operators. Double opt-in, one useful email at a time.
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