How Much Does a Semi-Truck Cost in Fuel?

Semi-trucks are an important part of the transportation industry, with over 3 million of them operating in the United States alone. From long-haul freight hauling to short-distance deliveries, these large vehicles are an integral part of the supply chain that keeps goods moving. One important factor in the cost of operating a semi-truck is fuel – how much does it cost to keep a semi-truck running?

The cost of fuel for a semi-truck will vary depending on many factors, including truck size, engine type and make, driving habits, and fuel economy.

A smaller truck with a more efficient engine may use less fuel than a larger one with an older engine. On average, however, most semi-trucks get between 6 and 9 miles per gallon (MPG).

In terms of cost per mile traveled, diesel is typically the most economical choice for fueling a semi-truck. The average price of diesel in the U.S. is $3.15 per gallon as of March 2021; this means that the cost to run one mile in a semi would be roughly $0.52 (for 6 MPG) to $0.78 (for 9 MPG).

For comparison’s sake, gasoline costs an average of $2.91 per gallon in the U., which would result in a cost per mile traveled ranging from $0.49 to $0.73 depending on MPG rating.

The cost of fuel for a semi-truck can also be affected by other factors such as weight and terrain driven on – trucks carrying heavy loads may require more fuel to cover the same distance than those carrying lighter loads; likewise, driving up steep inclines requires more power and thus more fuel than driving on flat terrain.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it is difficult to give an exact figure for how much it costs to run a semi-truck in terms of fuel as there are many variables that come into play such as truck size, engine type and make, driving habits and terrain driven on – however, generally speaking diesel is typically the most economical choice for fueling a semi- truck at around $0.52-$0.78 per mile traveled depending on MPG rating.

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Stephen Dunn