Compare the travel assumptions
The starting inputs are fictional. Change them to inspect the calculation. Values remain in browser memory.
Scenario results
- Total travel miles
- 30
- Travel cost
- 24
- Time cost
- 45
- Specified direct costs
- 79
- Scenario contribution
- 101
Contribution = expected collection − (travel miles × vehicle cost per mile) − (total minutes ÷ 60 × time cost per hour) − other direct costs. Time includes the return already; the return checkbox changes miles only. Keep labor out of the mileage rate when it is separately included.
Start with the evidence
Enter one-way miles, total job minutes, a direct time-cost rate, a variable vehicle cost per mile, other direct costs and expected collection. The return checkbox doubles the mileage input only; total minutes already need to include all time you intend to cost. The example starts with invented values and does not use live maps, routing, traffic or truck availability.
A worked example
The starting case uses fifteen one-way miles with a return, ninety total minutes, $30 per hour, $0.80 per mile, $10 other costs and $180 expected collection. Travel is thirty miles and $24; time cost is $45; total specified direct cost is $79; scenario contribution is $101. Turning off return travel changes mileage cost to $12 and contribution to $113 while leaving the entered total time unchanged.
Choose the next action
Save a comparison in memory, then change one assumption such as total time or expected collection. Review whether the apparent difference comes from a real change or an omitted cost. The operator decides feasibility; this tool does not set prices, authorize a job or determine which route is safe. Avoid counting fuel or labor twice through overlapping cost rates.
Check whether it worked
Export assumptions and results together, then check the arithmetic against your chosen model. Blank inputs are errors rather than zero; negative costs are rejected. A positive result excludes overhead and every cost not entered. Clear inputs or reload to remove the in-memory scenario. An exported CSV remains on your device under your control.
Put it to work
A record you can use
- One-way miles and return assumption
- Total minutes including all included time
- Cost-rate inclusions and exclusions
- Expected collection evidence
- Base/downside result and operator review
Plain text. No email required. Store completed records in your approved business systems.
Next useful step
Need help applying this to your marketing? A strategy call starts with your business and the evidence you have.
Talk through your next step →For a general editorial question, email Chris. Please leave out customer details. Questions are private, and no response time is promised.