Net Revenue
Net revenue (also called net income or take-home pay) in trucking is gross revenue minus all operating expenses, including fuel, insurance, truck payments, maintenance, taxes, and fees. It represents what the owner-operator actually earns.
In Depth
Net revenue is the number that matters for an owner-operator's financial health. Industry data shows that the average owner-operator nets $40,000–$80,000 after expenses, despite often citing gross revenues of $150,000–$250,000.
Common expenses that erode gross revenue: fuel (typically 25–35% of gross), truck payment (10–20%), insurance (8–12%), maintenance and repairs (10–15%), IFTA taxes (3–5%), factoring fees if used (2–5%), and dispatcher or broker fees (5–10%). These can total 65–85% of gross revenue.
Improving net revenue means either increasing gross revenue (better rates, more miles) or reducing expenses (better fuel efficiency, lower insurance rates, proactive maintenance).
Usage Example
Example: 'I grossed $22,000 last month. After $15,800 in expenses, my net revenue was $6,200 — about $74,400 annualized.'
Related Calculators
Related Terms
Gross Revenue
Gross revenue in trucking is the total amount a carrier invoices for transportation services before deducting any expenses, including linehaul, fuel surcharge, detention, and other accessorials.
Operating Ratio
Operating ratio is total operating expenses divided by gross revenue, expressed as a percentage. A ratio of 85% means $0.85 of every dollar earned goes to expenses, leaving a 15% profit margin.
Cost Per Mile
Cost per mile (CPM) is the total operating cost divided by total miles driven in a given period. It includes both fixed costs (insurance, truck payment) and variable costs (fuel, maintenance) per mile.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate net revenue as an owner-operator?
Subtract all operating expenses (fuel, insurance, truck payment, maintenance, taxes, fees) from your gross invoiced revenue.