You ever feel like brokers are playing poker with your money? One wrong bid and boom — you’re hauling for pennies. The secret sauce is knowing your rate per mile (RPM). In today’s freight market, truckers who know their RPM aren’t just surviving — they’re thriving.
What Is Rate Per Mile (RPM)?
It’s your golden number: how much you need to charge per mile to cover costs and make a profit. First calculate your cost per mile (CPM) and add your profit margin on top. Nail it, and you’re in the driver’s seat.
The State of the Freight Market in 2026
Rates are bouncing around like a trailer on a dirt road. Van averages sit around $1.85 – $2.25, reefers hit higher, and flatbeds are holding steady. But averages don’t pay your bills — your own RPM does.
How to Calculate RPM Without Headaches
Use Bubba’s Cost Per Mile Calculator — plug in miles, expenses, and load pay. Boom: your bidding number in seconds.
Why RPM Makes or Breaks Your Trucking Business
- Keeps you from underbidding
- Gives you the confidence to walk away from cheap loads
- Builds long-term profit, not short-term survival
Don’t gamble with your rig. Try Bubba’s Cost Per Mile Calculator and bid smart every time