Break-even loaded-km rate
Cover the cost of loaded and empty running with the kilometres that earn revenue, then explore a target margin.
How the math works
Reference formulas use CAD, kilometres and litres. Inputs are converted to this basis before calculation and results are converted back for display.
Keep in mind
- Only entered costs are covered. Add missing trip-specific costs without counting any expense twice.
- This does not establish a market price, customer acceptance or a tax-inclusive invoice total.
- For the same cost base, a 20% margin means dividing cost by 0.80, equivalent to a 25% markup.
Precision is retained during calculation. Displayed numbers are rounded. Export for the full calculated values.
Common questions
Why can the loaded-km rate exceed my cost per total kilometre?
Loaded kilometres must cover the modeled cost of both loaded and empty running. In a hypothetical CAD/km example before applicable taxes, 400 loaded km plus 100 empty km at C$1.20/km costs C$600. Add C$100 of extra trip costs: C$700 ÷ 400 loaded km = C$1.75 per loaded km at break-even.
Is a 20% target margin the same as a 20% markup?
No. Margin is a share of revenue; markup is added to cost. A 20% margin divides modeled cost by 0.80. In a hypothetical CAD/km example before applicable taxes, C$700 of cost requires C$875 revenue, or C$2.1875/km over 400 loaded km. That is a 25% markup on the same cost.
What belongs in additional trip costs?
Enter only trip costs missing from the operating cost per total kilometre or mile. The calculator already applies that operating cost to loaded and empty distance, so adding the same expense again counts it twice. Keep the inputs on one consistent basis before applicable taxes.