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Box Truck Cost Per Mile in Missouri

Know your true cost per mile before evaluating any load. CPM is the baseline metric for every carrier — if you don't know your cost, you can't know your profit.

Your Numbers

Equipment Type

State

Box truck carriers usually face higher maintenance, tire, and insurance loads, so keeping deadhead low is critical to protecting margin.

As your operation approaches 26,000 lbs and broadens lanes, compliance and administrative time can become as important as fuel in total CPM.

Fixed Costs (Monthly)

Variable Costs

Operating Profile

Your Results

Cost per mile

$0.86/mi

Operating: vs avg $0.65 – $0.90/miIn rangeTarget rate: vs avg $1.25 – $1.75/miIn range

Cost Breakdown

Fuel$0.50/mi58%
Maintenance$0.12/mi14%
Tires$0.04/mi5%
Fixed costs$0.20/mi24%

Target rate (incl. income goal)

$1.49/mi

Cost per day

$229.63/day

Monthly operating cost

$6,889

Monthly operating + income goal

$11,889

Fuel cost per mile

$0.50/mi

Fixed cost per mile

$0.20/mi

Box Truck Costs in Missouri

Diesel fuel in Missouri currently averages $4.97 per gallon, which includes a state fuel tax of 19.5¢ per gallon. This relatively low fuel tax helps keep your box truck fuel cost per mile below the national average.

Average commercial box truck insurance in Missouri runs approximately $383/month. This moderate premium is typical for the region and should be reviewed annually to ensure you're not overpaying.

Box trucks average 8–12 MPG depending on load and body size (16–26 ft). Fuel is typically the largest variable cost, running $0.40–$0.65 per mile. Route planning to minimize empty miles has a bigger impact on CPM than with smaller vehicles.

Missouri's central location at the intersection of I-70, I-44, and I-55 makes it one of the top freight crossroads in the nation. Kansas City and St. Louis both rank in the top 15 for trucking freight volume.

Box truck insurance falls between van and semi rates, reflecting the mid-range risk profile. Maintenance costs are higher than vans due to hydraulic lift gates, larger brake systems, and commercial tires — budget $0.10–$0.15/mile for maintenance reserve.

Compare in neighboring states: Iowa · Illinois · Kentucky · Tennessee · Arkansas
Compare other equipment in Missouri: Cargo Van · Sprinter · Semi / Dry Van

Cost Per Mile by State

Select your state for local diesel prices, insurance rates, and region-specific cost data. Coverage includes 49 states.

These tools are provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as legal, tax, or financial advice.