RPM Calculator
Revenue per mile — basic and deadhead-adjusted. Instant profitability rating.
RPM Benchmarks (2026)
These are rough industry benchmarks for dry van loads in 2026. Refrigerated and flatbed run $0.10–$0.25 higher on average.
| RPM Range | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $2.50+ | Excellent | Top of market — take it fast |
| $2.00 – $2.49 | Good | Solid load, worth taking |
| $1.60 – $1.99 | Average | Acceptable if positioning matters |
| $1.20 – $1.59 | Below Average | Negotiate or pass unless forced |
| Under $1.20 | Poor | Not worth it in most markets |
Note: these thresholds shift by lane, market conditions, and truck type. Always check the DAT rate check for the specific origin-destination pair before deciding.
How RPM is Calculated
Basic RPM = Rate ÷ Loaded Miles
Deadhead-Adjusted RPM = Rate ÷ (Loaded Miles + Deadhead Miles)
Net After Fuel = Rate − (Fuel Cost/Mile × Total Miles)
Basic RPM is the number brokers use. Deadhead-adjusted RPM is what you actually earn, since you're burning fuel and time getting to the pickup. If your deadhead exceeds 15–20% of loaded miles, even a high basic RPM can become mediocre on an adjusted basis.
Get RPM automatically on every DAT One load
Lane Edge adds an RPM column directly inside your DAT One loadboard — no manual calculation needed. Green = good. Red = pass. Instant.
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Related: How to Calculate RPM on DAT One · DAT One Keyboard Shortcuts · Broker Email Templates