# Trucking Cost Per Mile in Colorado (CO)

Source: https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/colorado

> In Colorado, 2026 operating cost per mile ranges from about $0.42/mi (cargo van) to $1.26/mi (semi), based on local diesel at $3.50/gallon and a 22.0¢/gal state diesel tax.

## Cost per mile by equipment in Colorado

| Equipment | Est. cost/mile | Fuel/mile | Insurance/mo | National range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cargo Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/cargo-van) | $0.42 | $0.17 | $258 | $0.33–$0.62 |
| [Sprinter](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/sprinter) | $0.57 | $0.19 | $413 | $0.48–$0.88 |
| [Box Truck](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/box-truck) | $0.90 | $0.39 | $385 | $0.80–$1.40 |
| [Semi / Dry Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/semi) | $1.26 | $0.50 | $470 | $1.15–$1.85 |

## What loads pay vs. cost in Colorado (2026-Q2)

Mileage-weighted average revenue per mile from the Truxx booked-load network, paired with the Colorado operating cost. Rate figures are network-wide averages; per-state signals are noted below. Margins are gross, before your own pay.

| Equipment | Avg load rate | Per-load median (p25–p75) | Operating cost | Gross margin/mi |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cargo Van | $1.31 | $1.53 ($1.16–$2.25) | $0.42 | +$0.89 |
| Sprinter | $1.20 | $1.32 ($1.05–$1.97) | $0.57 | +$0.62 |
| Box Truck | $3.09 | $4.01 ($2.62–$6.54) | $0.90 | +$2.19 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Dry van) | $3.35 | $3.48 ($2.87–$4.01) | $1.26 | +$2.08 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Reefer) | $4.32 | $4.83 ($3.67–$5.76) | $1.26 | +$3.06 |

## Colorado operating context

Colorado's mountain passes (Eisenhower, Vail, Loveland) increase fuel consumption and wear. Altitude and grade changes can reduce MPG by 20–30% on mountain routes, making fuel efficiency a dominant CPM factor.

## Colorado cost-per-mile FAQs

**How much does it cost per mile to run a truck in Colorado?**

In Colorado, operating cost per mile in 2026 ranges from about $0.42/mi for a cargo van to $1.26/mi for a semi, based on local diesel near $3.50/gallon and state-average commercial insurance. Your exact cost depends on utilization, financing, and how much you deadhead.

**What is the cost per mile for a cargo van in Colorado?**

A cargo van costs about $0.42 per mile to operate in Colorado in 2026 — roughly $0.17/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $258/month. That sits within the national cargo van benchmark of $0.33–$0.62/mi.

**What is the cost per mile for a sprinter in Colorado?**

A sprinter costs about $0.57 per mile to operate in Colorado in 2026 — roughly $0.19/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $413/month. That sits within the national sprinter benchmark of $0.48–$0.88/mi.

**What is the cost per mile for a box truck in Colorado?**

A box truck costs about $0.90 per mile to operate in Colorado in 2026 — roughly $0.39/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $385/month. That sits within the national box truck benchmark of $0.80–$1.40/mi.

**What is the cost per mile for a semi in Colorado?**

A semi costs about $1.26 per mile to operate in Colorado in 2026 — roughly $0.50/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $470/month. That sits within the national semi benchmark of $1.15–$1.85/mi.

**Which truck type is cheapest to operate in Colorado?**

The cargo van has the lowest cost per mile in Colorado at about $0.42/mi, thanks to better fuel economy and lower insurance. Larger equipment earns more revenue per load but carries a higher cost per mile.

**What is the diesel fuel tax in Colorado?**

Colorado charges 22.0¢ per gallon in state diesel tax — near the national average. That is built into the $3.50/gallon pump price used in these Colorado cost-per-mile estimates.

## Nearby state pages

- [Cost per mile in Wyoming](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/wyoming)
- [Cost per mile in Nebraska](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/nebraska)
- [Cost per mile in Kansas](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/kansas)
- [Cost per mile in Oklahoma](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/oklahoma)
- [Cost per mile in New Mexico](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/new-mexico)