How it works
The next-load view combines actual or planned current-trip totals with one additional load. Current mileage should already include existing deadhead; next-load deadhead should include only the new empty miles.
The formula
Keep currency, units and time periods consistent. Percentage inputs use percentage points (enter 5 for 5%). Results are rounded only for display; tiny nonzero values may use scientific notation. Undefined ratios are shown as unavailable.
A current trip earning $2,000 over 800 miles has $2.50 RPM and, at $1,200 costs, $800 profit. Adding $1,000 revenue over 400 loaded and 100 deadhead miles with $650 costs reduces combined RPM to $2.3077 but adds $350 profit.
Calculation method
Incremental profit isolates the extra revenue and costs from accepting the next load. Combined profit adds it to the current trip result. Do not count costs from the current trip again in the next-load field.
Interpretation
A load can reduce average RPM while still adding profit. The revenue needed to preserve the current RPM is the current rate multiplied by all next-load miles. That is a comparison threshold, not a minimum acceptable offer.
Limitations
Availability, hours of service, destination demand and time away are not captured by RPM alone. Cost inputs must include relevant extra driver time and other incremental expenses.
Using this in a dispatch decision
Read the change in profit as well as the change in average RPM. Adding $1,000 revenue with $650 incremental costs adds $350 profit even if it lowers the trip average RPM. Check the extra time and foregone alternatives separately.
Method and reference sources
Method and content checked 2026-09-20. These sources provide background, not endorsement or professional certification. The formula and limitations above define this calculator.
- ATRI — Trucking researchOperating-cost research context. No industry-average cost or contractual compensation rate is automatically used.
Frequently asked questions
Can the next load lower average RPM but add profit?
Yes. RPM is a revenue-per-mile measure. A lower-RPM load can still add profit when its incremental revenue exceeds its incremental costs. Compare both changes.
What is a worked example for Next Load?
A current trip earning $2,000 over 800 miles has $2.50 RPM and, at $1,200 costs, $800 profit. Adding $1,000 revenue over 400 loaded and 100 deadhead miles with $650 costs reduces combined RPM to $2.3077 but adds $350 profit.