Fuel Cost Calculator for Truckers

Put a dollar amount on fuel before you accept a load. Enter your trip distance, truck MPG, and current diesel price — add reefer gallons if you're running temperature-controlled freight.

Results are estimates only — not financial advice.

Total estimated reefer gallons for this trip. Reefer uses a separate tank.
Enter trip details above and click Calculate.

How to use this calculator

Fuel is typically the largest single variable cost for owner-operators — often 30–40% of gross revenue. Knowing the number before you accept a load lets you evaluate whether the rate actually works. To see the full trip picture, take this fuel cost into the Load Profit Calculator alongside load pay and deadhead miles.

  • Trip miles — total one-way distance including any deadhead to the shipper.
  • Truck MPG — your truck's actual average. Most Class 8 trucks pull 5.5–7.5 MPG loaded; check your ELD or last few fuel receipts rather than guessing.
  • Diesel price — use today's local retail price. Even a $0.30/gallon swing matters over 1,200 miles.
  • Reefer gallons — reefer units run on a separate tank. Use the Reefer Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate consumption if you prefer a dedicated tool.

Formula

Gallons Needed = Trip Miles ÷ MPG

Fuel Cost = Gallons Needed × Diesel Price

Cost Per Mile = Fuel Cost ÷ Trip Miles

Total = Fuel Cost + (Reefer Gallons × Diesel Price)

Example

1,200-mile trip at 6.5 MPG and $3.85/gallon: 1,200 ÷ 6.5 = 184.6 gallons. 184.6 × $3.85 = $710.77 in truck fuel, or about $0.59/mile. If the load pays $1.80/mile, fuel alone takes a third of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What MPG should I expect from a semi-truck?
Most Class 8 semi-trucks average between 5.5 and 7.5 MPG, with newer aerodynamic models on flat routes reaching 8+ MPG and older trucks pulling heavy loads on mountain routes getting as low as 4.5 MPG. If you are unsure, 6.5 MPG is a reasonable starting estimate for a typical loaded haul.
How much does diesel price affect my fuel cost?
A $0.50/gallon change in diesel price affects fuel cost by about $0.077 per mile at 6.5 MPG. On a 10,000-mile month, that is a $770 swing in fuel spending. Tracking national and local diesel prices helps you plan cash flow and negotiate fuel surcharges more effectively.
Does the reefer unit run off the truck's fuel tank?
Reefer units have their own separate fuel tank and consume diesel independently of the truck engine. Fuel consumption varies by unit age, temperature setting, ambient temperature, and how often the doors are opened. Typical range is 0.4 to 0.8 gallons per hour.

Disclaimer: Actual fuel consumption varies with load weight, terrain, speed, and engine condition. Fuel card discounts and multi-day price swings are not reflected here. Estimates only — not financial advice.