Finance

Per-Mile Rate

Per-mile rate is the carrier's revenue divided by paid miles. It's the most common way trucking economics are quoted.

Per-mile rate ($/mile) is freight revenue divided by paid (loaded) miles, sometimes also including deadhead. Quoted RPM (revenue per mile) varies by lane, equipment, and fuel-surcharge structure — dry van national average runs $2.10-$2.50 base + FSC; reefer $2.40-$2.80; flatbed $2.50-$3.00.

Carriers should track RPM net of deadhead and net of fuel separately. A high gross RPM with 25% deadhead can lose money against a lower gross RPM with 8% deadhead.

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Related terms

Operations

Deadhead

Deadhead miles are the unloaded miles a truck runs between a delivery and the next pickup. Lower deadhead = higher revenue per mile.

Finance

Factoring (Freight)

Factoring is selling your accounts receivable to a third party for immediate cash, typically at a 1-4% discount.