# Trucking Cost Per Mile in Kentucky (KY)

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

> In Kentucky, 2026 operating cost per mile ranges from about $0.40/mi (cargo van) to $1.22/mi (semi), based on local diesel at $3.30/gallon and a 22.1¢/gal state diesel tax.

## Cost per mile by equipment in Kentucky

| Equipment | Est. cost/mile | Fuel/mile | Insurance/mo | National range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cargo Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/cargo-van) | $0.40 | $0.16 | $209 | $0.33–$0.62 |
| [Sprinter](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/sprinter) | $0.55 | $0.18 | $334 | $0.48–$0.88 |
| [Box Truck](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/box-truck) | $0.87 | $0.37 | $317 | $0.80–$1.40 |
| [Semi / Dry Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/semi) | $1.22 | $0.47 | $389 | $1.15–$1.85 |

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

Mileage-weighted average revenue per mile from the Truxx booked-load network, paired with the Kentucky 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) | $0.40 | +$0.91 |
| Sprinter | $1.20 | $1.32 ($1.05–$1.97) | $0.55 | +$0.64 |
| Box Truck | $3.09 | $4.01 ($2.62–$6.54) | $0.87 | +$2.22 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Dry van) | $3.35 | $3.48 ($2.87–$4.01) | $1.22 | +$2.12 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Reefer) | $4.32 | $4.83 ($3.67–$5.76) | $1.22 | +$3.10 |

## Kentucky operating context

Kentucky's bourbon, auto manufacturing, and UPS Worldport (Louisville) create diverse freight demand. I-65 and I-75 carry heavy through-freight, and the state's fuel tax is moderate compared to its neighbors.

## Kentucky cost-per-mile FAQs

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

In Kentucky, operating cost per mile in 2026 ranges from about $0.40/mi for a cargo van to $1.22/mi for a semi, based on local diesel near $3.30/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 Kentucky?**

A cargo van costs about $0.40 per mile to operate in Kentucky in 2026 — roughly $0.16/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $209/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 Kentucky?**

A sprinter costs about $0.55 per mile to operate in Kentucky in 2026 — roughly $0.18/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $334/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 Kentucky?**

A box truck costs about $0.87 per mile to operate in Kentucky in 2026 — roughly $0.37/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $317/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 Kentucky?**

A semi costs about $1.22 per mile to operate in Kentucky in 2026 — roughly $0.47/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $389/month. That sits within the national semi benchmark of $1.15–$1.85/mi.

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

The cargo van has the lowest cost per mile in Kentucky at about $0.40/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 Kentucky?**

Kentucky charges 22.1¢ per gallon in state diesel tax — near the national average. That is built into the $3.30/gallon pump price used in these Kentucky cost-per-mile estimates.

## Nearby state pages

- [Cost per mile in Indiana](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/indiana)
- [Cost per mile in Ohio](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/ohio)
- [Cost per mile in West Virginia](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/west-virginia)
- [Cost per mile in Virginia](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/virginia)
- [Cost per mile in Tennessee](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/tennessee)