A good rate is one that clears your cost per mile with margin. The 2024 all-in average was $2.26/mi (ATRI) - but the only number that matters is your own breakeven.
Per diem is $80/day (80% deductible for HOS drivers), Form 2290 maxes at $550 and is due Aug 31, and estimated taxes are due four times a year. A plain-English rundown.
FMCSA requires at least $750,000 in primary liability for general freight; brokers usually want $1M. Here are the coverages you need and what moves the premium.
Your cost per mile is monthly fixed costs divided by miles, plus per-mile variable costs. ATRI put the 2024 average at $2.26/mi. Here is how to find yours.
FMCSA revokes ELDs that stop meeting federal rules, and running a revoked device can put you out of service. Here is how to check the lists and what to do if yours is gone.
Lease-purchase can put you in a truck with little money down, but most deals favor the carrier. Run it through your cost per mile and know the traps before you sign.
IFTA reconciles the fuel tax you owe each state against the fuel you bought there. Returns are due April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31. Here is the method.
Getting your own authority means a USDOT number (free), a $300 MC authority filing, a BOC-3, insurance on file, and a 21-day wait. Here is the order and the real cost.
Property-carrying drivers get an 11-hour driving limit inside a 14-hour window, a 30-minute break after 8 hours, and a 60/70-hour cap a 34-hour restart resets.
A fuel surcharge per mile equals (current diesel minus your peg) divided by your MPG. Here is how pegs work, how brokers shortchange it, and how to charge a real one.
