Revenue per mile is the number that decides whether a busy week is a profitable week. More miles is the lazy answer. Smarter lane planning is the real one.
1. Book the week as a chain
Pick each load for what it sets up next, not for the rate in isolation. A slightly lower load that drops you in a strong outbound market beats a high load that strands you.
2. Guard your deadhead
Every empty mile dilutes RPM. Set a deadhead ceiling and plan backhauls before you deliver.
3. Negotiate every con
Brokers expect it. Detention, TONU and layover are revenue you already earned.