Free tool
Deadhead miles calculator
A great rate can turn average once you add the empty miles to get there.
Deadhead share—
Rate per loaded mile—
Rate per total mile—
Cost of the empty miles—
Profit on the trip—
How to use it
Enter the load pay, loaded miles, the empty miles to reach the pickup and your cost per mile. The tool shows your deadhead share, the rate per total mile and what the empty miles cost you.
Don't know your cost per mile? Work it out with the cost per mile calculator.
Questions carriers ask
What's a good deadhead percentage?
Lower is better. Many carriers aim to keep deadhead well under 15%, but it depends on your lanes.
How does a dispatcher cut deadhead?
By planning the next load near your delivery before you drop.