Why Calculation Details matter
RanchAssist is designed so users can audit the assumptions behind a planning result. Before using the output for purchasing, scheduling, budgeting, or field decisions, review the source inputs and any user-editable assumptions.
Core calculation relationships
- Route miles come from the routing result unless a manual mileage override is used.
- Estimated loads use head count and the user-editable trailer/head-capacity assumptions.
- Billable miles depend on the selected pricing method and whether loaded, total, deadhead, or round-trip miles are included.
- Additional charges are added according to the entered carrier fee structure.
- Optional shrink applies only the user-entered shrink percentage; RanchAssist does not claim a guaranteed shrink rate.
Results to review together
- Route miles and drive duration
- Billable miles
- Estimated load count
- Cost per load
- Total freight cost
- Cost per head
- Cost per head per mile
- Cost per cwt
- Deadhead and round-trip cost
- Optional delivered pay-weight estimate after user-entered shrink
How to sanity-check the result
Change one important assumption at a time and confirm the result moves in the direction you expect. If a small change creates a very large result change, check units, percentages, duplicated rows/features, and any hidden Advanced settings.
Rounding and purchase quantities
Where the tool converts a calculated need into purchasable whole units—such as bales, rolls, packages, loads, or other discrete quantities—the purchase quantity may round upward even when the mathematical requirement is fractional. Review Calculation Details for the current tool behavior.
Planning limitation
Actual safe and legal loading depends on trailer design, animal condition, weather, carrier practices, and applicable law. Route and cost outputs are planning estimates and should be confirmed with the carrier.
