How It Works
- Enter your route details (payout, miles, time)
- Adjust your vehicle and minimum targets in settings
- Get an instant ACCEPT/BORDERLINE/PASS decision
What This Calculator Does
This free calculator helps independent medical couriers, delivery contractors, and gig economy drivers determine whether a route is worth accepting. It calculates your actual net profit by accounting for fuel costs, vehicle operating expenses, tolls, parking, and other costs — then compares the result against your personal minimum hourly and per-mile targets.
Use it to quickly evaluate delivery routes, medical courier jobs, lab specimen transport, STAT runs, and other expedited delivery opportunities. The calculator works for any type of courier work where you need to decide if the payout covers your true costs and meets your income goals.
Route Profile
Quick Route Inputs
Cost Mode
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate medical courier route profit?
Enter the gross payout offered, total miles driven (including any deadhead/unpaid miles), and estimated total time. The calculator subtracts your fuel cost, vehicle operating cost, tolls, parking, and other expenses from the payout to show your actual net profit. It then calculates your net hourly rate and net per-mile rate.
Should I include deadhead miles?
Yes. Deadhead miles (unpaid miles driven empty, such as returning home or repositioning) still cost you fuel, vehicle wear, and time. Including them gives you a realistic view of your true profitability. You can enter paid miles and deadhead miles separately in the Advanced Inputs section.
Should waiting time be included?
Yes. Time spent waiting at pickup locations, medical facilities, labs, or dispatch points is time you cannot use for other paid work. Including waiting time in your total hours gives you an accurate hourly rate and helps you evaluate routes that may have long wait times.
How do I calculate fuel cost?
The calculator automatically calculates fuel cost based on total miles, your vehicle's MPG, and current fuel price. You can adjust these values in the Advanced Inputs section to match your specific vehicle and local fuel prices.
What is the difference between actual vehicle cost and mileage rate?
Actual Cost mode calculates expenses using your actual fuel cost plus a per-mile vehicle operating cost you set (covering depreciation, maintenance, tires, insurance, etc.). Mileage Rate mode uses a single flat rate per mile as a simplified assumption. Choose Actual Cost for more accurate tracking, or Mileage Rate if you prefer a simpler calculation.
How do I know whether a courier route is worth accepting?
The calculator compares your net hourly rate and net per-mile rate against your personal minimum targets. If both meet or exceed your targets, it recommends ACCEPT. If only one meets your target, it's BORDERLINE. If neither meets your target, it recommends PASS. You can adjust your minimum targets in the Advanced Inputs section based on your income goals and business needs.
About Courier Route Profitability
Courier route profitability depends on accurately accounting for all costs — not just fuel. Vehicle depreciation, maintenance, insurance, tires, tolls, parking, and time spent waiting all reduce your actual take-home pay. This calculator helps you see the true picture by factoring in these costs and comparing the result against your personal income targets.
Assumptions: The calculator assumes consistent fuel prices and vehicle costs per mile. It does not account for traffic variations, weather conditions, or unpredictable delays. Results are estimates based on your inputs and should be used as a guide, not a guarantee of actual profitability.