Semi trucks, also known as “big rigs” or “18 wheelers,” are the lifeblood of the country’s freight transportation system. From coast to coast, these massive vehicles haul goods and supplies to their destinations, providing an essential service to businesses across the United States. But what is the cost of operating a semi truck?
At a minimum, it costs around $1.50 per mile to operate a semi truck.
This includes fuel, tire wear, driver wages and benefits, insurance, maintenance and repairs. For example, fuel costs alone can range from $0.50-$0.60 per mile depending on how much the truck is loaded and driven. The cost of tires can be up to $0.20 per mile for regular highway use and up to $0.30 per mile for off-road use. Driver wages typically range from $0.40-$0.50 per mile with benefits costing additional money.
In addition to these costs associated with operating a semi truck on a daily basis, there are other expenses that must be taken into account such as registration fees and taxes associated with owning and driving a commercial vehicle in certain states or provinces.
For those who own their own semi trucks, there are additional costs associated with owning such as loan payments if the truck was purchased using financing, insurance premiums for full coverage protection against damage and theft, as well as routine maintenance such as oil changes, brakes and tire rotations.
Overall, the average cost to operate a semi truck is highly variable depending on factors such as fuel prices, distance traveled and driver wages. However, it’s safe to assume that it costs about $1.50 per mile just for regular operations (fuel, tires etc.). If you’re considering becoming an owner-operator of your own semi truck then you should also factor in additional costs such as loan payments or insurance premiums when calculating your total expenses each month or year.
Conclusion: The average cost to operate a semi truck is around $1.50 per mile when factoring in all necessary expenses such as fuel costs, driver wages/benefits, maintenance/repair fees and insurance premiums (if applicable). For those who own their own semi trucks there may be additional expenses such as loan payments or full coverage insurance that must be accounted for when budgeting for operations each month or year.
