Guides for owner-operators

Plain-English answers to the money and paperwork questions every owner-operator runs into.

How to calculate your trucking cost per mileIFTA filing deadlines and how to fileTrucker per diem in 2026: rates and rulesHow to read a rate confirmationHow to negotiate freight rates with brokersNew authority: your first 90 days

Free calculators

Load profit calculatorIs this load worth it? Rate per mile, profit and a counter-offer.Cost per mile calculatorYour real all-in cost to run each mile.Rate per mile and break-evenWhat a load pays per mile, and the lowest rate you can take.Deadhead calculatorWhat those empty miles really cost you.Fuel cost per tripFuel cost for a trip from miles, MPG and price.IFTA tax calculatorEstimate your quarterly IFTA tax due or credit by state.Detention pay calculatorWhat to bill for time stuck at the dock.Owner-operator take-home payWhat you actually keep after costs and taxes.Factoring fee calculatorWhat factoring really costs per invoice and per year.Per diem calculatorYour 2026 per diem deduction estimate.
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BlueCollar Fleet's Load Check is free forever: real truck road miles, your own cost per mile, and TAKE IT / NEGOTIATE / PASS on every offer.

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