Reading a P&L for a One-Truck Dump Truck Business
Published June 16, 2026·Last reviewed June 16, 2026·7 min read
Short answer
Target ratios on gross: fuel 22–28%, maintenance 8–12%, insurance 5–8%, truck payment 10–15%. Healthy net margin for a paid-off truck is 35–45%; with a payment, 22–30%.
If you can't read your own P&L, you can't run the business. Fortunately for a single truck the whole thing fits on one page.
The benchmark P&L (single tandem, $240k gross year)
| Line item | % of gross | Dollar range |
|---|---|---|
| Gross revenue | 100% | $240,000 |
| Fuel | 22–28% | $52,800–$67,200 |
| Maintenance & repairs | 8–12% | $19,200–$28,800 |
| Insurance | 5–8% | $12,000–$19,200 |
| Truck payment (financed) | 10–15% | $24,000–$36,000 |
| Permits, DOT, plates | 1–2% | $2,400–$4,800 |
| Admin (phone, accounting, office) | 2–3% | $4,800–$7,200 |
| Owner take-home (financed) | 22–30% | $52,800–$72,000 |
Warning signs
- Fuel over 30% → you're deadheading too much or your MPG is dropping (get a service)
- Maintenance under 5% → you're deferring PM and about to eat a big bill
- Insurance over 10% → shop carriers now, you're being overcharged
Dump Truck Academy Editorial Team
Working owner-operators, trucking CPAs, and construction estimators who review every article before it publishes. We update pricing and compliance numbers every quarter.
12+ years combined hauling, GC subcontracting, and small-fleet operations experience.
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