Arizona Trucking Cost Per Mile Calculator
2026 Arizona cost-per-mile and rate-per-mile benchmarks for owner-operators and small fleets — with AZ-specific diesel, IFTA, and lane data.
- AZ diesel: $4.12/gal (Q2 2026)
- AZ fuel tax: 27.0¢/gal
- Sources: DOE EIA · ATRI · DAT · Truckstop · IFTA Inc.
The average all-in trucking cost per mile in Arizona in 2026 runs $1.65–$1.93/mi — 2% above the U.S. average, driven by AZ diesel at $4.12/gal and state fuel tax of 27.0¢/gal. A profitable dry-van RPM floor in AZ is $2.13/mi all-in.
- Definition
- Arizona Cost Per Mile — A $AZ-based operator's cost per mile is total monthly operating cost divided by total miles (loaded + deadhead), adjusted for Arizona diesel price, state fuel tax, insurance rates, and IFTA reconciliation.
Why Arizona is different
AZ is a major produce + Mexico cross-border state (Nogales). Phoenix + Tucson dry van lanes feed CA and TX heavily; heat + long empty miles pressure CPM.
- AZ Weight Distance Tax adds ~$0.02–$0.04/mi for loaded 5-axle miles inside the state.
- Nogales cross-border produce (Oct–May) is a defining reefer season — northbound RPM lifts 12–20%.
- Summer heat (Jun–Sep) increases reefer fuel burn 12–18% and tire replacement frequency; adjust maintenance CPM.
- Phoenix outbound to CA runs ~$1.70–$2.05/mi (short haul, saturated); Phoenix → Midwest lanes pay much better.
2026 AZ rate-per-mile benchmarks
| Equipment | AZ spot avg | Profitable floor | vs U.S. avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.03–$2.40/mi | $2.13/mi | -1% |
| Reefer | $2.33–$2.75/mi | $2.44/mi | -1% |
| Flatbed | $2.52–$3.02/mi | $2.65/mi | -1% |
Sources: DAT & Truckstop lane data Q2 2026, adjusted for AZ outbound density. Contract rates typically print 8–15% above spot.
Top outbound lanes from Arizona
- Phoenix → Los Angeles
- Nogales → Dallas
- Phoenix → Chicago
- Tucson → Atlanta
Frequently asked questions — Arizona
What is the average trucking cost per mile in Arizona in 2026?
In 2026 the average all-in trucking cost per mile for a AZ owner-operator runs $1.65–$1.93. That's 2% above the U.S. average of $1.62–$1.89/mi, driven mostly by AZ diesel at $4.12/gal and state-specific fuel tax of 27.0¢/gal.
What is a good rate per mile in Arizona in 2026?
A profitable all-in RPM in Arizona starts at roughly $2.13 for dry van, $2.44 for reefer, and $2.65 for flatbed. Spot averages for AZ sit at $2.03–$2.40 (van), $2.33–$2.75 (reefer), and $2.52–$3.02 (flatbed) per DAT + Truckstop Q2 2026.
How much is diesel in Arizona right now?
Q2 2026 retail diesel in Arizona averages $4.12/gal (DOE EIA weekly retail). At 6.5 MPG that's roughly $0.63/mi in fuel — before any IFTA credit/debit reconciliation.
How does IFTA affect my cost per mile in Arizona?
AZ has low state diesel tax ($0.27/gal) but the state weight-distance tax (Weight Distance Tax) applies to loaded miles above 26,000 lbs.
Why is Arizona cost per mile higher the U.S. average?
AZ is a major produce + Mexico cross-border state (Nogales). Phoenix + Tucson dry van lanes feed CA and TX heavily; heat + long empty miles pressure CPM. Combined with AZ diesel at $4.12/gal and state fuel tax of 27.0¢/gal, Arizona's CPM lands 2% above the U.S. average.
What are the strongest freight lanes out of Arizona?
The strongest 2026 outbound AZ lanes tracked by DAT and Truckstop are: Phoenix → Los Angeles; Nogales → Dallas; Phoenix → Chicago; Tucson → Atlanta. RPM on these lanes typically prints above the AZ state average due to reload density and lane-specific demand.