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 Current Truck Location (ZIP Code): Where the truck is now (or last drop location).

Next Pickup Location (ZIP Code): The shipper's pickup ZIP for the load being evaluated.

Operating Cost Per Mile ($): Your all-in CPM (use the CPM Calculator if unsure).

Load Evaluation (Optional) Offered Load Rate ($): (Optional) The flat dollar rate offered for the next load.

Delivery Destination (ZIP Code): (Optional) The consignee's delivery ZIP. Required if evaluating a load.

Go to Freight Professional Toolkit

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.

Tip: Use the Cost Per Mile (CPM) Calculator to determine your all-in operating cost before evaluating loads with this tool.

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