# Trucking Cost Per Mile in Iowa (IA)

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

> In Iowa, 2026 operating cost per mile ranges from about $0.52/mi (cargo van) to $1.59/mi (semi), based on local diesel at $5.95/gallon and a 32.5¢/gal state diesel tax.

## Cost per mile by equipment in Iowa

| Equipment | Est. cost/mile | Fuel/mile | Insurance/mo | National range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cargo Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/cargo-van) | $0.52 | $0.28 | $177 | $0.33–$0.62 |
| [Sprinter](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/sprinter) | $0.69 | $0.33 | $283 | $0.48–$0.88 |
| [Box Truck](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/box-truck) | $1.16 | $0.66 | $264 | $0.80–$1.40 |
| [Semi / Dry Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/semi) | $1.59 | $0.85 | $322 | $1.15–$1.85 |

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

Mileage-weighted average revenue per mile from the Truxx booked-load network, paired with the Iowa 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) | $0.52 | +$0.79 |
| Sprinter | $1.20 | $1.32 ($1.05–$1.97) | $0.69 | +$0.50 |
| Box Truck | $3.09 | $4.01 ($2.62–$6.54) | $1.16 | +$1.94 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Dry van) | $3.35 | $3.48 ($2.87–$4.01) | $1.59 | +$1.75 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Reefer) | $4.32 | $4.83 ($3.67–$5.76) | $1.59 | +$2.73 |

## Iowa operating context

Iowa's central location along I-80 and strong agricultural economy create consistent freight demand. Winter weather can impact road conditions from November through March, increasing maintenance and reducing effective operating days.

## Iowa cost-per-mile FAQs

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

In Iowa, operating cost per mile in 2026 ranges from about $0.52/mi for a cargo van to $1.59/mi for a semi, based on local diesel near $5.95/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 Iowa?**

A cargo van costs about $0.52 per mile to operate in Iowa in 2026 — roughly $0.28/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $177/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 Iowa?**

A sprinter costs about $0.69 per mile to operate in Iowa in 2026 — roughly $0.33/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $283/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 Iowa?**

A box truck costs about $1.16 per mile to operate in Iowa in 2026 — roughly $0.66/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $264/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 Iowa?**

A semi costs about $1.59 per mile to operate in Iowa in 2026 — roughly $0.85/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $322/month. That sits within the national semi benchmark of $1.15–$1.85/mi.

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

The cargo van has the lowest cost per mile in Iowa at about $0.52/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 Iowa?**

Iowa charges 32.5¢ per gallon in state diesel tax — near the national average. That is built into the $5.95/gallon pump price used in these Iowa cost-per-mile estimates.

## Nearby state pages

- [Cost per mile in Minnesota](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/minnesota)
- [Cost per mile in Wisconsin](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/wisconsin)
- [Cost per mile in Illinois](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/illinois)
- [Cost per mile in Missouri](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/missouri)
- [Cost per mile in Nebraska](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/nebraska)