Moving Truck Fuel Calculator
Fuel costs for a moving truck range from $50–$150 for a local move to $300–$900 for a cross-country move. A 26-ft truck gets 6–10 MPG on gasoline, meaning a 1,000-mile trip costs approximately $300–$550 in fuel at 2026 gas prices ($3.30–$3.80/gallon average).
Fuel Cost = (Distance ÷ Truck MPG) × Price per Gallon
Fuel is one of the largest hidden costs of a DIY truck rental move. Moving trucks get significantly worse gas mileage than passenger vehicles — a loaded 26-ft truck averages just 6–8 MPG compared to 25–30 MPG in a sedan. Our moving truck fuel calculator estimates your total fuel expense based on truck size, distance, and current fuel prices, so you can budget accurately before renting.
Fuel costs are often the expense that makes a DIY move less economical than expected. Use this calculator alongside our moving cost calculator to compare the true cost of driving versus hiring movers.
What This Means
Your fuel estimate is based on the loaded MPG for your selected truck size and the current national average fuel price. Actual fuel costs can vary 10–20% based on driving speed (55 MPH is most fuel-efficient for trucks), terrain (mountains reduce MPG by 15–30%), cargo weight, and regional gas prices. Interstate highways through the Midwest are the cheapest corridors, while California and the Northeast have the highest fuel prices.
Fuel Efficiency by Truck Size (2026)
Moving truck fuel efficiency varies significantly by size and load. Here are real-world MPG figures based on loaded trucks:
| Truck Size | Fuel Type | Empty MPG | Loaded MPG | Tank Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft (Cargo Van) | Gasoline | 14–18 | 12–14 | 25–35 gal |
| 12 ft | Gasoline | 12–15 | 10–12 | 30–40 gal |
| 15 ft | Gasoline | 10–13 | 8–10 | 35–40 gal |
| 17 ft | Gasoline | 9–12 | 8–10 | 40 gal |
| 20 ft | Gasoline | 8–11 | 7–9 | 40–55 gal |
| 22 ft | Diesel/Gas | 8–10 | 6–8 | 45–55 gal |
| 26 ft | Diesel/Gas | 7–10 | 6–8 | 50–60 gal |
Note: Penske trucks tend to be newer and more fuel-efficient. U-Haul trucks vary widely by age and condition. Budget trucks typically fall in between. Always ask about the specific truck's fuel type (gas or diesel) at pickup — diesel is currently $0.30–$0.50/gallon more expensive than gasoline.
Worked Example: Fuel Cost for a Cross-Country Move
The Wilson family is driving a loaded 20-ft U-Haul from Atlanta, GA to Portland, OR — approximately 2,600 miles. They're also towing a car on a U-Haul auto transport trailer.
| Calculation Step | Details | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Atlanta → Portland | 2,600 miles |
| Truck MPG (loaded, 20 ft) | 7.5 MPG (average loaded) | — |
| MPG with auto transport | Towing reduces MPG by ~20% | 6.0 MPG |
| Gallons needed | 2,600 ÷ 6.0 | 433 gallons |
| Gas price (national avg) | $3.55/gallon (March 2026) | — |
| Total Fuel Cost | 433 × $3.55 | $1,537 |
The Wilsons will make approximately 7–8 fuel stops over the 4-day drive, filling up when the tank reaches one-quarter. Planning fuel stops along interstate highways (avoiding small-town stations with higher prices) can save $50–$100 on the total trip.
Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Hiring Movers
| Cost Category | DIY (20-ft Truck) | Full-Service Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Truck rental / Mover fee | $2,200 | $7,500 |
| Fuel | $1,537 | Included |
| Auto transport | $350 | $950 |
| Hotels (3 nights) | $450 | $0 |
| Meals (4 days) | $200 | $0 |
| Insurance | $120 | Included |
| Total | $4,857 | $8,450 |
Tips to Save on Moving Truck Fuel
- Drive 55–60 MPH. Fuel efficiency drops sharply above 60 MPH in large trucks. Driving at 55 instead of 70 can improve MPG by 15–25%.
- Avoid idling. Idling a moving truck burns 0.5–1.0 gallon per hour. Turn off the engine during loading breaks and rest stops.
- Use gas price apps. GasBuddy and Google Maps show real-time fuel prices along your route. Planning stops at cheaper stations (Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart, or truck stops on major interstates) saves $0.20–$0.50/gallon.
- Reduce weight. Every 500 lbs of excess cargo reduces MPG by approximately 0.5 MPG. Decluttering before the move saves both moving costs and fuel.
- Check tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy by 3–5%. Check truck tire pressure before departure.
- Plan your route. Avoid mountainous routes when possible. Crossing the Rockies reduces MPG by 15–30%. Southern routes (I-10, I-20) are generally flatter than northern routes (I-80, I-90) for east-west travel.
- Fuel up before returning. Most rental agreements require returning the truck with the same fuel level as pickup. Topping off at a cheap station near the return location avoids the rental company's inflated refueling fee ($5–$9/gallon).
Current U.S. Fuel Prices (March 2026)
Fuel prices vary significantly by region. Here are average prices as of March 2026:
| Region | Regular Gas | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $3.55/gal | $3.95/gal |
| West Coast (CA, OR, WA) | $4.50–$5.20/gal | $4.80–$5.50/gal |
| Northeast (NY, NJ, CT) | $3.60–$4.10/gal | $4.00–$4.50/gal |
| Southeast (FL, GA, SC) | $3.10–$3.50/gal | $3.50–$3.90/gal |
| Midwest (OH, IN, IL) | $3.20–$3.60/gal | $3.60–$4.00/gal |
| South (TX, OK, AR) | $2.90–$3.30/gal | $3.30–$3.70/gal |
| Mountain (CO, UT, MT) | $3.30–$3.80/gal | $3.70–$4.20/gal |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Prices updated weekly.
Sources and Methodology
Our fuel calculator uses:
- Real-world MPG data from rental truck drivers across all major truck sizes, verified against manufacturer specifications.
- Current fuel prices from the U.S. Energy Information Administration weekly gasoline and diesel update.
- Driving distance calculations using major interstate routes between metro areas.
- Load weight impact on MPG based on fleet telematics data from rental truck companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles per gallon does a moving truck get?
A loaded moving truck gets 6–14 MPG depending on size: cargo vans (10 ft) get 12–14 MPG, 15 ft trucks get 8–10 MPG, 20 ft trucks get 7–9 MPG, and 26 ft trucks get 6–8 MPG when loaded. These are real-world figures that account for cargo weight — manufacturer-rated MPG for empty trucks is 15–30% higher. Towing a car or trailer reduces MPG by an additional 15–20%.
Do moving trucks take diesel or regular gas?
It depends on the truck size and rental company. Smaller trucks (10–17 ft) almost always use regular unleaded gasoline. Larger trucks (20–26 ft) vary — U-Haul's larger trucks use gasoline, while Penske and Budget often use diesel for their 22–26 ft trucks. Always confirm the fuel type when picking up the truck. Using the wrong fuel causes severe engine damage and you'll be liable for repairs.
How much does it cost to fill up a moving truck?
Filling a moving truck costs $80–$220 depending on tank size and fuel prices. A 10 ft truck (25–35 gallon tank) costs $80–$125 to fill. A 26 ft truck (50–60 gallon tank) costs $165–$220 to fill. Most moving trucks can travel 200–350 miles on a full tank when loaded, so plan fuel stops accordingly for long-distance moves.
Does towing a car affect moving truck fuel economy?
Yes, towing a car behind a moving truck reduces fuel economy by 15–20%. A 20 ft truck getting 8 MPG loaded will drop to about 6.5 MPG when towing a car on an auto transport trailer. A tow dolly (two wheels on the ground) has slightly less impact than a full auto transport (all four wheels off the ground). For a 1,000-mile trip, towing adds approximately $75–$150 in fuel costs.