⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
Total Fuel Cost
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⚠️ Actual fuel cost varies by route, driving habits, load weight, and terrain. Mountain grades can cut MPG by 1–2 mpg. Always budget a 10% buffer.
Estimate your diesel fuel cost for any trip — loaded, empty, or round trip.
⚠️ Actual fuel cost varies by route, driving habits, load weight, and terrain. Mountain grades can cut MPG by 1–2 mpg. Always budget a 10% buffer.
Fuel is typically the largest variable expense for owner operators — averaging $0.45–$0.60 per mile depending on diesel prices and your truck's fuel efficiency. On an 800-mile run at 6.5 MPG with diesel at $3.85/gallon, you'll burn about 123 gallons and spend roughly $474 just on fuel.
Many loads include a fuel surcharge (FSC) that offsets part of your fuel cost. FSC rates vary by broker and are often tied to the DOE weekly diesel average. Always factor FSC into your actual fuel cost when evaluating a load's profitability.
Every 0.5 MPG improvement saves approximately $0.05–$0.08 per mile. Key strategies: cruise control on interstates, reducing idle time, proper tire inflation, aerodynamic upgrades, and avoiding hard acceleration. At 100,000 miles/year, a 1 MPG improvement can save $5,000–$8,000 annually.