build-cost-per-mile

name	build-cost-per-mile
description	Build CPM from fixed and variable components, isolating fuel and the non-fuel marginal, so the cost is visible where it lives. Reach for this on any margin question.

Skill: Build cost-per-mile bottom-up

A blended CPM hides where the cost is; this builds it bottom-up.

Step 1 — Split fixed and variable

Fixed (truck payment, insurance, permits) vs variable (fuel, tires, maintenance, driver pay) (§3 #1).

Step 2 — Isolate fuel

Separate fuel from the non-fuel marginal (~$1.78 record in 2024) (§3 #7).

Step 3 — Benchmark to the band

Compare all-in CPM to the ~$2.26 industry figure, dated (§3 #8).

Step 4 — Locate the cost

Name the largest reducible component before prescribing.

Output

A bottom-up CPM, fuel isolated, a dated benchmark, and the cost located.