How Driver Pay Is Calculated: CPM vs. % of Load
One of the most important—and most misunderstood—aspects of truck driving is how drivers get paid. If you’ve ever compared job offers or talked with drivers from different companies, you’ve probably heard two common terms: CPM (Cents Per Mile) and % of Load.
Each method has its pros, cons, and best-fit scenarios. This article breaks down how each works, what affects your earnings, and how to choose the best option for your driving goals.
💵 CPM (Cents Per Mile) Pay – The Most Common Model
Most company drivers are paid by the mile. In this structure, your paycheck is based on the number of dispatched miles you drive, multiplied by the pay rate (CPM) you’re offered.
🔢 Example:
Rate: $0.60 per mile
Miles driven this week: 2,500
Gross Pay = 2,500 × $0.60 = $1,500
✅ Pros:
Consistent and predictable
Easy to calculate
Stable income for long-haul drivers
❌ Cons:
Doesn’t pay for time stuck at docks, in traffic, or during breakdowns
Relies heavily on your dispatcher and available freight
Deadhead miles may or may not be paid
📦 % of Load Pay – Common with Owner-Ops & Flatbed Drivers
With this model, drivers are paid a percentage of the freight bill (what the shipper pays the carrier). It’s more common in flatbed, step-deck, heavy haul, and lease/owner-op jobs.
🔢 Example:
Load pays $2,200
Driver gets 25% of line haul
Pay = 25% of $2,200 = $550
✅ Pros:
Higher earning potential on high-paying freight
Incentivizes taking premium or oversized loads
Encourages business-minded driving
❌ Cons:
Pay fluctuates based on load value and market
Requires better freight rate knowledge
May not include fuel surcharge or accessorial pay unless negotiated
📊 CPM vs. % Load: What Impacts Your Take-Home Pay?
| Factor | CPM | % Load |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Driven | ✅ Major Impact | ❌ Less Important |
| Freight Market Rates | ❌ Not Relevant | ✅ Huge Impact |
| Time at Shipper/Receiver | ❌ Often Unpaid | ✅ May be included |
| Driver Experience | ✅ Higher CPM possible | ✅ Better % available |
| Trailer Type | ✅ Any | ✅ Often Flatbed or Specialized |
| Control Over Loads | ❌ Low | ✅ High (esp. for Owner-Ops) |
⚖️ Which Pay Type Is Better for You?
Choose CPM If You:
Prefer a stable paycheck
Are a company driver or new to trucking
Want simple, no-fuss pay calculations
Choose % Load If You:
Drive flatbed or heavy haul
Lease your truck or run as an Owner-Op
Want higher control and risk/reward earnings
🧠 Pro Tips for Maximizing Either Pay Structure
Track your time: If you’re on CPM, your time matters. Ask about detention pay or hourly rates for delays.
Negotiate bonuses: Safety, fuel, and performance bonuses can stack on top of CPM.
Ask about extras: Breakdown pay, layover, and unload assistance matter too.
Know your worth: If you’re hauling high-value freight, % load may be more profitable—just know the numbers.
📌 Final Word
Whether you’re looking for consistency or chasing bigger paychecks, understanding how driver pay works is non-negotiable. CPM offers predictability, while % load rewards hustle and risk.
Before signing a job offer, ask exactly how you’re paid, what’s included, and what’s not. If it’s not in writing—it doesn’t count.
