NY/NJ DRAYAGE CALCULATOR

Deadhead Cost Calculator

Estimate how much empty or deadhead miles may cost before pickup, after delivery, or between loads.

Enter the total miles you expect to drive without a paying load.
Use your truck’s average MPG from your dashboard, ELD, or fuel records. If unknown, enter your best estimate.
$
Fuel Needed 7.69 gal
Fuel Cost Per Mile $0.62
Estimated Deadhead Fuel Cost $30.77
50 miles ÷ 6.5 MPG × $4.00/gallon = $30.77

This calculator estimates the fuel cost of empty or deadhead miles. It does not include driver/labor time, tolls, truck ownership costs, maintenance, or other operating expenses.

Use This Calculator to:

  • Estimate the fuel cost of empty miles before pickup, after delivery, or between loads.
  • See how much fuel deadhead miles may use based on your truck’s MPG.
  • Compare loads with different deadhead distances before deciding which move makes more sense.
  • See how diesel prices affect the cost of empty miles.
  • Account for deadhead miles when estimating your total trip cost.

Note: This calculator estimates the fuel cost of deadhead miles only. It does not include driver/labor time, tolls, maintenance, truck ownership costs, or other operating expenses.