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Fuel & operating economics

Your rate went up. Did your profit?

A higher rate is encouraging. The number that should guide the next decision is what remains after the work is done.

Reconcile the miles.

Compare revenue and costs using the same mileage basis. When a rate is quoted per loaded mile, include empty miles when calculating revenue per actual mile. Review actual miles per gallon (MPG), fuel costs, loaded miles, empty miles and revenue earned for the same period; track cash collections separately.

Include the whole operating picture.

Account for driver compensation, maintenance reserves, fixed expenses and payment timing. When the owner steps out of the driver’s seat, include the cost of replacing that labor.

The fleet calculator uses editable assumptions to connect these decisions. It does not forecast rates or guarantee earnings.

Work through one illustrative week.

Assume one truck travels 2,500 actual miles, with 80% loaded, at $2.50 per loaded mile. That produces 2,000 loaded miles and $5,000 in gross transportation revenue before any additional charges. If the same actual miles are only 70% loaded, gross revenue falls to $4,375 even though the quoted rate is unchanged. These are invented planning assumptions, not THS client results or market rates.

Separate margin from cash timing.

Compare costs and earned revenue for the same period. Show any planning reserve for maintenance separately from maintenance expenses so the same cost is not counted twice. Then review when invoices are collected and when bills must be paid. A modeled operating surplus is not a complete net-profit calculation or a cash balance. Avoid treating unpaid invoices as money already available for payroll.

Bring evidence to the review.

  • Loaded and empty mileage from the same period.
  • Fuel purchases, actual consumption and driver compensation.
  • Collected invoices, outstanding balances and payment terms.
  • Insurance, equipment, administration and maintenance assumptions.

Use the fleet model to compare scenarios. Keep the assumptions visible and discuss material decisions with the appropriate professional.

Accounting distinction: SEC guide to financial statements, reviewed September 14, 2026. The mileage and rate example is arithmetic using invented assumptions, not a market benchmark.

Turn the question into a next step.

Discuss how the issue connects to your business.

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