Owner-Operator Rate Analysis: Are You Getting Paid Fairly?

As an owner-operator, your income is directly tied to the rates you haul freight for. But how do you know if those rates are competitive? Are brokers keeping too much of the pie? In this post, we break down real-world numbers to help you understand where you stand in the market.

The freight industry has operated on information asymmetry for decades, with brokers holding all the cards while carriers operated in the dark. The Broker Transparency Act is changing that, and platforms like True Rates are putting real data in the hands of owner-operators.

Industry-Wide Rate Averages

According to recent data from True Rates and industry sources, most dry van owner-operators average around $1.60–$2.30 per mile. But brokers are often paid upwards of $3.00/mile — creating huge gaps in payout that directly impact your bottom line.

These disparities aren't just numbers on a spreadsheet. For an owner-operator running 100,000 miles per year, a $0.30 per mile difference equals $30,000 in lost income annually.

True Rates Data: Closing the Transparency Gap

We collect and analyze actual broker payout submissions, giving you side-by-side comparisons between what the broker made and what the carrier received. This real-world data reveals the true cost of operating without transparency.

Our database includes thousands of completed loads across all major lanes, equipment types, and broker relationships. This isn't theoretical data — these are real transactions submitted by carriers who demanded transparency.

Real Examples from Our Database

Factors Affecting Your Rates

Geographic Considerations

Not all lanes are created equal. High-demand corridors typically offer better rates, while backhaul lanes may have lower payouts. Understanding lane dynamics helps you plan more profitable routes.

• Primary lanes: Major metropolitan areas with consistent freight
• Backhaul lanes: Return routes that may offer lower rates
• Seasonal routes: Agricultural or retail corridors with seasonal demand
• Specialized corridors: Routes requiring specific equipment or certifications

Market Timing

Freight rates fluctuate based on capacity, seasonality, and economic conditions. Understanding these patterns helps you time your loads for maximum profitability.

Use This Data to Your Advantage

With this knowledge, you can renegotiate, shift to higher-paying lanes, or avoid lowball brokers entirely. True Rates helps you see your real value in the market.

Immediate Actions You Can Take:

• Request transparency documentation on your recent loads
• Compare your rates against our database averages
• Identify brokers with fair vs. excessive margins
• Focus on lanes where you can command better rates
• Build relationships with transparent, fair-paying brokers

The Cost of Not Knowing

Consider an owner-operator who unknowingly accepts rates that are $0.40 per mile below market average. Over 100,000 miles annually, that's $40,000 in lost income. Over a decade, that's $400,000 — enough to buy several trucks or secure a comfortable retirement.

Building a Sustainable Business

Running a profitable owner-operator business requires more than just moving freight. It requires understanding your market position, negotiating effectively, and making data-driven decisions about which loads to accept.

True Rates provides the transparency you need to:

• Identify your most profitable lanes and brokers
• Avoid brokers with excessive margin practices
• Negotiate from a position of strength
• Plan routes that maximize your earnings per mile
• Build long-term relationships with fair brokers

Conclusion

Owner-operators deserve better than guesswork. With data-driven insights from True Rates, you're not just hauling freight — you're running a smarter business. Try it today and stop leaving money on the table.

The freight industry is changing, and transparency is becoming the new standard. Position yourself ahead of the curve by understanding your true market value and demanding fair compensation for your services.

Your truck, your time, your expertise — make sure you're getting paid what it's all worth.