Deadhead Calculator

Calculate the true cost of repositioning an empty truck using exact Google Maps road miles. Optionally evaluate whether a specific load is profitable after deadhead.

Deadhead Route Where the truck is now (or last drop location).
The shipper's pickup ZIP for the load being evaluated.
Your all-in CPM (use the CPM Calculator if unsure).
Load Evaluation (Optional) (Optional) The flat dollar rate offered for the next load.
(Optional) The consignee's delivery ZIP. Required if evaluating a load.
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Understanding Deadhead Miles

Deadhead miles are the miles a truck drives empty to reposition for its next load. Because the truck burns fuel and accumulates wear without generating revenue, every deadhead mile is pure cost. Dispatchers and owner-operators must factor this repositioning cost into every load decision.

Deadhead Ratio compares empty miles to loaded miles. A 0% ratio means the truck is always loaded (ideal). Industry guidance suggests keeping this below 15–20%. A 30% ratio, for example, means 30 empty miles for every 100 loaded miles — a significant drag on profitability.

Effective RPM (All Miles) divides the load rate by total miles driven (empty + loaded). This is the real revenue per mile the truck earns. Effective RPM (Loaded Only) divides the rate by loaded miles alone — what the rate sheet shows, but not the full picture when deadhead is involved.

Related freight tools: Use the Cost Per Mile (CPM) Calculator to determine your all-in operating cost before evaluating loads with this tool. To analyze the line-haul and all-in RPM for the loaded portion of your trip, try the Lane Rate Analyzer.

This tool was created by Ben Crittenden, an IT professional with experience in web development, systems administration, and project management.