Calculate profitable trucking rates for flatbed loads including tarping, permits, and deadhead.
Trip Details
Includes loading/unloading time.
Operating Costs
Insurance, truck payment, etc.
Extras & Margin
Tarping fees, permits, lumper fees.
Fuel Cost:$0.00
Driver Pay:$0.00
Fixed Overhead:$0.00
Accessorials:$0.00
Total Operating Cost:$0.00
Profit Markup:$0.00
Total Rate to Quote:$0.00
Rate Per Mile (RPM):$0.00
Understanding Flatbed Trucking Rates
Calculating the correct rate for a flatbed load is critical for the profitability of owner-operators and fleet managers. Unlike standard dry van freight, flatbed loads often require additional labor (tarping, securing complex loads) and specialized equipment. A precise Flatbed Rate Calculator helps ensure that every mile driven contributes to your bottom line rather than operating at a loss.
Key Components of a Flatbed Rate
To determine a profitable rate per mile (RPM), several variables must be considered beyond just the distance of the trip:
Loaded vs. Deadhead Miles: Your rate must cover the cost of getting to the pickup location (deadhead) as well as the actual haul. Ignoring deadhead miles is a common mistake that erodes profit margins.
Fuel Surcharge and Efficiency: With fluctuating diesel prices, knowing your truck's exact MPG is vital. Heavy flatbed loads (steel, lumber) often reduce fuel efficiency compared to lighter loads.
Accessorial Charges: Flatbed hauling involves unique tasks. Always account for tarping fees (which take time and effort), oversize permits, and detention time at job sites.
Fixed Costs: These are costs you pay regardless of whether the truck is moving, such as insurance, truck payments, and authority fees. These should be calculated on a per-day basis and applied to the duration of the trip.
How to Calculate Your Rate Per Mile
The basic formula used in our calculator follows this logic:
Calculate Variable Costs: (Total Miles / MPG × Fuel Price) + (Total Miles × Driver Pay).
Calculate Fixed Costs: (Fixed Daily Cost × Days for Trip).
Add Accessorials: Add specific costs for tarping, permits, or tolls.
Determine Break-Even: Sum the above to find the minimum amount needed to cover costs.
Apply Margin: Add your desired profit percentage to the break-even cost to generate the final quote.
Example Calculation
Imagine a 1,000-mile trip with 100 miles of deadhead. Diesel is $4.00/gallon, and the truck gets 6 MPG.
Fuel Cost: 1,100 miles / 6 MPG × $4.00 = $733.33
Driver Pay: 1,100 miles × $0.60/mile = $660.00
Fixed Costs: 3 days × $150/day = $450.00
Tarping Fee:$100.00
Total Cost: $1,943.33
Quote with 20% Margin: $2,331.99
Rate Per Mile: $2.33
Why Flatbed Rates are Higher than Dry Van
Flatbed rates generally command a premium over dry van or reefer freight. This is due to the increased risk, the physical labor involved in strapping and tarping loads, and the exposure to weather elements. Furthermore, flatbed freight often involves construction materials or machinery that require delivery to job sites rather than standard loading docks, increasing the time per load.