Trucking Fuel Cost Per Mile Calculator
Compute fuel cost per mile from your MPG and current diesel price.
Fuel cost per mile = diesel price per gallon ÷ truck MPG. At $3.85 diesel and 6.5 MPG, fuel cost per mile is $0.59.
How it works
- 1Look up today's diesel price
Use the EIA national average or your home-terminal rate. National retail diesel is updated weekly.
- 2Use your actual MPG
Pull MPG from the ELD or a 30-day fuel log. Don't use sticker MPG — real-world is usually 0.5–1.5 MPG lower.
- 3Compare to fuel surcharge
If your FSC reimbursement is below your fuel CPM, you're absorbing the difference.
Example: $3.85 diesel, 6.5 MPG
| Fuel cost per mile | $0.59 |
| Per 1,000 miles | $590 |
| Annual at 110k miles | $65,100 |
Takeaway: A 0.5 MPG improvement (6.5 → 7.0) saves about $4,650/yr at this price.
Key takeaways
- At $3.80 diesel and 6.5 MPG, fuel CPM is $0.58.
- A 0.5 MPG improvement (6.5→7.0) saves ~$4,650/yr at 110k miles.
- Reefers and heavy-haul run $0.10–$0.20/mi higher than dry van.
Expert tips from Bonafide dispatchers
- 1
Pull MPG from a 30-day ELD average, not lifetime — seasonal swings hide the truth.
- 2
Use the TA/Petro/Loves discount program with the lowest cost-plus-margin, not the biggest sticker discount.
- 3
Hold 62 mph cruise — every 1 mph above 62 cuts MPG ~0.1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average fuel cost per mile for a semi truck?+
In 2026 the average for a Class 8 dry van is $0.55–$0.65 per mile based on 6.0–7.0 MPG and ~$3.80 diesel. Reefers and heavy-haul run higher.
How can I lower fuel cost per mile?+
Hold 62 mph or below, idle less than 25%, run aero skirts, keep tires at 100 PSI, and route through TA/Loves discount programs.
Last reviewed June 15, 2026 by the Bonafide Trucking Solutions dispatch team.