How to Increase RPM Using DAT RateView

2 hours ago
3 min read

Improving your rate per mile (RPM) is the fastest way to boost your trucking profits. DAT’s RateView tool provides one of the most accurate and comprehensive sources of freight rate intelligence available—powered by over $1 trillion in real freight transactions. This means the numbers you see in RateView reflect what carriers are actually being paid across more than 65,000 lanes.

This guide explains how to use DAT RateView to consistently improve RPM, negotiate confidently, avoid cheap lanes, and choose the highest‑paying freight opportunities.

1. Understand DAT RateView’s Data Advantage

Before using RateView to increase RPM, you need to understand why its data is so reliable.

DAT RateView rates come from:

Actual freight payments, not bids or posted rates.
Verified invoices from brokers, shippers, and carriers.
A minimum sample threshold (3 contributors and 7 loads) before a rate is displayed.

This ensures that every rate you see is accurate, current, and trustworthy—giving you a huge advantage when negotiating higher-paying loads.

2. Use Lane Rate Searches to Identify High‑Paying Freight

The Single Lane Rate Lookup feature lets you view:

Current spot and contract rate averages
High‑low rate ranges
13‑month historical rate charts
Total trip miles
Trailer‑specific pricing

This helps you instantly determine whether a lane is profitable before calling a broker. The lane lookup process is simple:

Select equipment type
Enter origin and destination cities
View RPM ranges and historical patterns

If a lane shows higher‑than‑normal spot averages this week, it’s an opportunity to push for premium RPM.

3. Use Historical Charts to Negotiate Higher Rates

RateView’s historical charts show seasonal trends and past pricing cycles.This is powerful because it allows you to say:

“This lane averaged $2.65 per mile last month—your offer of $2.20 is below market.”

This negotiation strategy works because brokers know DAT’s data is the industry standard.Historical data goes back at least 13 months, giving robust trend visibility.

4. Use Multi‑Lane Lookup to Plan Longer-Term Profitability

Instead of pricing a single load, compare multiple lanes at once with the Multi‑Lane Rate Lookup. This helps you:

Identify better‑paying regions
Plan more profitable weekly cycles
Avoid areas with weak outbound demand

RPM isn’t just about one lane—it’s about choosing a sequence of lanes that maximizes revenue over the full week.

5. Watch Market Conditions to Know When to Charge More

DAT RateView includes up‑to‑date market conditions indicators, showing:

Supply and demand in specific markets
When capacity is tight
When brokers expect to pay above average

When trucks are scarce, brokers pay more — and RateView helps you identify these situations instantly.

Combine market conditions with lane rates to justify higher RPM every time.

6. Use DAT’s Rate Calculator to Set Your Ideal RPM

The Rate Calculator inside RateView allows you to:

Set custom surcharges
Include fuel price differences
Calculate your minimum profitable RPM

This prevents you from accepting underpriced freight and keeps your RPM profitable even when market rates fluctuate.

7. Leverage RateView Data in Negotiations

A great negotiation script looks like this:

“DAT RateView shows this lane is averaging $2.75/mile this week.Your offer of $2.40 is below market. I can move it at $2.75.”

This works because DAT has:

15‑day and 30‑day averages
Market insights
Historical trends

Use RateView data as your “data shield” to avoid low offers.

8. Combine RateView with TriHaul to Increase RPM Even More

DAT’s TriHaul tool identifies triangular route opportunities with higher total revenue than a standard roundtrip.These suggestions often lead to 25–50% higher earnings by replacing weak lanes with stronger-paying detours.

If your return lane pays poorly, TriHaul can fix it.