Long haul for less per mile?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by edmachi, Nov 3, 2025.

  1. edmachi

    edmachi Bobtail Member

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    May 22, 2025
    Texas
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    Hello,

    As a new owner operator have a doubt regarding shorter runs for more $ per mile versus long haul for less per mile. Asked a few people and got different answers.
    1100 miles @1.80 or 282miles @2,87
    Please let me know your opinion.

    Thanks,

    EM
     
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  3. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I'd say you're gonna get rich either way. Congrats
     
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  4. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    Don’t obsess over rpm, concentrate on daily revenue. Example..my last load paid $1,850 for 24hrs..600 miles..good daily revenue for me. Had the load been on the truck 3days it would have been a lousy load..rate per mile didn’t change.

    You should have figured out beforehand what you needed for daily revenue so consider figuring that out.
     
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  5. Concorde

    Concorde Road Train Member

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    IMG_7460.png
    Great rpm, lousy daily revenue. Did another one in the same 24 hour period $4.07 on 122 miles.

    Again was a great rpm day but fell short of my daily revenue goal.
     
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  6. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    I agree on the revenue per day as the 'forest', and the rate per mile as the 'trees'.

    There's a lot of variables to consider. I like my daily revenue to the truck to be $1,000 or better , for all days away from home (working).

    I need profit to be $1/mile or better, after ALL expense. Otherwise I'm better off going to a company job, because - all benefits included - they're out there if compared to being a truck owner.
     
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  7. 86scotty

    86scotty Road Train Member

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    Yep ^^^, me too.
     
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  8. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Different strokes for different folks. Goodluck jumping in the ocean full of sharks. Let us know how it works out.
     
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  9. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Lots of ways to chop and bag the figures.

    Last week, one load - 4 days out. Hours worked each day - 8,5,12,9. 34 hours total.

    50%loaded, 50% deadhead.

    $5500 to the truck. Profit/ expense at 60% /40% this year.So $825/day before tax household income.

    $1375/day truck revenue.

    $161/hr worked to the truck. $97/hr personal income pre tax.

    $3.66/ mile to the truck on all miles.

    5 axle over dimension platform work. Nothing crazy.Should pay 50% more for what it is. Pays the bills.
     
  10. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    Local should be figured out hourly, can’t see blowing a whole day for $800…. Half a day maybe, but by the time you load/unload/bounce, and drive where ever loaded it ends up being a complete waste of time
     
  11. OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    That’s around what we grossed in a day when I had my truck and diesel was $2.75 a gallon. I could hardly make it work back then. Idk how anyone does it with fuel being a dollar more a gallon or more.
     
    Siinman Thanks this.
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