Owner-Operator Monthly Review Checklist

After ALL expenses (fuel, maintenance, insurance, truck payment, taxes, permits, dispatch fees, and your own salary), a healthy owner-operator business should net 25-40% of gross revenue. If your net margin is below 20%, you are working hard for very little actual income. Track this monthly and adjust your load selection, expenses, and rates accordingly.

Set aside 25-30% of your net income (after business expenses, before personal deductions) for federal and state income taxes plus self-employment tax (15.3%). Quarterly estimated tax payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Missing these deadlines results in penalty and interest charges.

Revenue per TOTAL mile (including deadhead). This single number tells you how effectively you are earning across all miles driven. A load paying $3.00/mile loaded but requiring 200 empty miles to reach means your revenue per total mile is significantly lower. Track this alongside your cost per mile — the gap between them is your actual profit.