Fuel Cost Calculator
Instantly estimate diesel expenses for your entire fleet. Know your cost per mile, monthly spend, and how much you'd save by improving MPG.
What you enter
- Miles Per Gallon (MPG)
- Fuel Price ($/gallon)
- Miles Per Truck/Week
- Number of Trucks
Optimize Routes
Reducing deadhead miles by even 10% can save thousands per truck annually. Use route optimization to minimize empty miles between loads.
Monitor Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires decrease fuel economy by 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop. Implement a tire pressure monitoring system across your fleet.
Use Speed Limiters
Every 1 MPH over 55 increases fuel consumption. Setting limiters to 65 MPH can save $0.05/mile compared to driving at 75 MPH.
Negotiate Fuel Cards
Major fuel card programs offer $0.10–$0.50/gallon discounts at participating stations. With 10 trucks, that adds up to $15,000+/year.
Train Drivers on Efficiency
Progressive shifting, cruise control use, and reduced idle time can improve MPG by 10–15%. Driver scorecards make it measurable.
Track Every Gallon
You can't improve what you don't measure. Automated fuel tracking reveals which trucks and drivers cost more — and why.
DispatchTool integrates with major fuel card providers to track every gallon, optimize routes, and generate IFTA reports automatically. Stop guessing — start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average fuel cost per mile for a semi truck?
At current diesel prices (~$3.75/gallon) and an average MPG of 6.5, the fuel cost per mile for a semi truck is approximately $0.58. This varies based on load weight, terrain, driving habits, and truck age.
How can I reduce fuel costs for my fleet?
Key strategies include: route optimization to reduce deadhead miles, maintaining proper tire pressure, using speed limiters (every 1 MPH over 55 costs ~$0.01/mile), regular engine maintenance, driver training on fuel-efficient driving techniques, and negotiating fuel card discounts.
How do I calculate IFTA fuel tax?
IFTA requires you to track miles driven and fuel purchased in each jurisdiction quarterly. The net tax is calculated by comparing fuel tax paid at the pump to what you owe based on miles driven in each state. Fleet management software automates this process.
What is the average MPG for different truck types?
Class 8 semi trucks average 5.5–7.5 MPG. Straight trucks (Class 6-7) average 8–12 MPG. Sprinter vans average 15–22 MPG. Newer trucks with aerodynamic improvements can reach 8+ MPG in favorable conditions.