Not every load on a load board is worth your time. Some runs look reasonable at first glance and fall apart when you do the math. Others look modest but set you up well for the next booking. Learning to evaluate a load quickly and accurately is one of the most valuable skills in the expedite market.
This guide covers the framework for deciding whether a load is worth booking, what factors matter, and how to run the numbers before you commit.
The Core Evaluation: Will This Load Cover Your Costs and Then Some?
The first question for any load is simple: does the rate clear your cost of operations with enough left over to make the run worthwhile?
Your operating costs per mile as a cargo van or box truck operator typically include:
- Fuel (the largest variable cost)
- Vehicle depreciation
- Maintenance and wear
- Insurance (prorated per mile)
- Phone and platform fees
Most solo cargo van operators estimate total operating costs between $0.50 and $0.65 per mile for a newer, fuel-efficient van. Box truck operators running diesel may see operating costs of $0.70 to $0.90 per mile or more depending on the vehicle, fuel price, and load weight.
Any load that pays below your per-mile operating cost is a money-loser. Any load that pays above it generates a margin. The margin needs to be enough to justify the time, not just cover costs.
Factor 1: Rate Per Mile vs. Distance
Rate per mile is not constant across all load distances. Short hauls carry higher rates per mile, and long hauls lower rates per mile but more total revenue. Knowing the appropriate rate range for a given distance is essential for load evaluation.
For cargo vans, using the Step 6 pricing guide as a reference:
100-mile run at $1.50 per mile: this is below the standard $2.00 to $3.00 range for that distance. Pass or negotiate.
300-mile run at $1.35 per mile: this sits within the $1.33 to $1.42 range. Acceptable if the drop location is good.
500-mile run at $0.95 per mile: this is below the $1.10 to $1.25 range. Not worth accepting unless you need to reposition urgently.
For box trucks, using the Step 7 pricing guide:
Under 100 miles at anything below $3.00 per mile: underpriced. Hold for a minimum of $300 total.
500 miles at $1.60 per mile: below the $1.70 to $1.85 range. Negotiate or pass.
800 miles at $1.72 per mile: within range. Evaluate the other factors.
If the rate per mile does not match the distance range, either the broker is underpricing the load or the lane is unusually competitive. Either way, you now have data to respond with rather than guessing.