How Loaded vs Unloaded Cost Comparator Works?
This tool works by subtracting the unloaded fuel cost of a trip from the loaded fuel cost of the same trip. The result is the fuel surcharge caused by cargo weight.
Price the loaded trip
Calculate cost at loaded miles per gallon (MPG). The default is 600 miles at 19 MPG and $3.65 per gallon: $115.26.
Price the unloaded trip
Calculate cost at empty MPG. The default is 600 miles at 27 MPG and $3.65 per gallon: $81.11.
Enter both costs
Type the loaded cost first and the empty cost second.
Read the cargo surcharge
The tool returns the extra fuel dollars caused by the load.
Loaded vs Unloaded Cost Comparator Formula
The formula is Cargo Surcharge = Loaded Cost − Unloaded Cost.
Cargo Surcharge = |Loaded Cost − Unloaded Cost|Formula variables
- Loaded Cost
- (Miles ÷ Loaded MPG) × Price.
- Unloaded Cost
- (Miles ÷ Empty MPG) × Price.
Worked example
- Loaded Cost (19 MPG, 600mi): $115.26
- Unloaded Cost (27 MPG, 600mi): $81.11
- Loaded: (600 ÷ 19) × $3.65 = $115.26.
- Unloaded: (600 ÷ 27) × $3.65 = $81.11.
- Surcharge: $115.26 − $81.11 = $34.15.
Result: $34.15 ($ cargo surcharge)
Every 100 pounds (45 kg) of extra weight cuts MPG by about 1%, according to the US Department of Energy (DOE). Heavy payloads in pickups and vans cut MPG further.
Loaded vs Unloaded Cost Comparator Conversion Table
The table shows the cargo surcharge for 3 loaded costs against 3 unloaded costs.
Rows: Loaded Cost (19 MPG, 600mi) ($). Columns: Unloaded Cost (27 MPG, 600mi) ($). Cells: $ cargo surcharge.
| $ | $70.00 | $81.11 | $95.00 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $90.00 | $20.00 | $8.89 | $5.00 |
| $115.26 | $45.26 | $34.15 | $20.26 |
| $140.00 | $70.00 | $58.89 | $45.00 |
A $140 loaded trip against a $70 unloaded trip shows a $70.00 surcharge, double the empty fuel cost.
What is Loaded vs Unloaded Cost Comparator?
The Loaded vs Unloaded Cost Comparator is a tool that measures the extra fuel cost of carrying a heavy load. The tool isolates the cost of cargo weight.
Weight raises rolling resistance and the energy needed to accelerate. Roof cargo adds drag on top of weight.
The comparator helps businesses price loaded runs and helps families see the fuel effect of packing heavy.
What are the uses of Loaded vs Unloaded Cost Comparator?
There are 4 main uses of the Loaded vs Unloaded Cost Comparator: pricing freight runs, budgeting moving trips, deciding what to pack, and setting delivery weight fees.
Pricing freight runs
Owner-operators add the load surcharge to freight quotes.
Budgeting moving trips
Movers price fuel for a loaded truck out and an empty truck back.
Deciding what to pack
Families see the fuel cost of heavy gear on a road trip.
Setting delivery weight fees
Businesses charge more for heavy deliveries.
Need every metric in one place? Open the main MPG Cost Calculator or browse all 101 fuel calculators.