# Trucking Cost Per Mile in Montana (MT)

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

> In Montana, 2026 operating cost per mile ranges from about $0.84/mi (cargo van) to $1.93/mi (semi), based on local diesel at $3.50/gallon and a 29.5¢/gal state diesel tax.

## Cost per mile by equipment in Montana

| Equipment | Est. cost/mile | Fuel/mile | Insurance/mo | National range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cargo Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/cargo-van) | $0.84 | $0.19 | $187 | $0.72–$1.05 |
| [Sprinter](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/sprinter) | $1.10 | $0.22 | $299 | $0.95–$1.35 |
| [Box Truck](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/box-truck) | $1.53 | $0.35 | $284 | $1.35–$1.90 |
| [Semi / Dry Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/semi) | $1.93 | $0.51 | $348 | $1.75–$2.45 |

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

Mileage-weighted average revenue per mile from the Truxx booked-load network, paired with the Montana 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) | $0.84 | +$0.47 |
| Sprinter | $1.20 | $1.32 ($1.05–$1.97) | $1.10 | +$0.09 |
| Box Truck | $3.09 | $4.01 ($2.62–$6.54) | $1.53 | +$1.56 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Dry van) | $3.35 | $3.48 ($2.87–$4.01) | $1.93 | +$1.41 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Reefer) | $4.32 | $4.83 ($3.67–$5.76) | $1.93 | +$2.39 |

## Montana operating context

Montana's vast distances between population centers mean high daily mileage but limited backhaul options. I-90 and I-94 carry east-west freight, and winter weather on mountain passes requires chains and limits speeds.

## Montana cost-per-mile FAQs

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

In Montana, operating cost per mile in 2026 ranges from about $0.84/mi for a cargo van to $1.93/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 Montana?**

A cargo van costs about $0.84 per mile to operate in Montana in 2026 — roughly $0.19/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $187/month. That sits within the national cargo van benchmark of $0.72–$1.05/mi.

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

A sprinter costs about $1.10 per mile to operate in Montana in 2026 — roughly $0.22/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $299/month. That sits within the national sprinter benchmark of $0.95–$1.35/mi.

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

A box truck costs about $1.53 per mile to operate in Montana in 2026 — roughly $0.35/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $284/month. That sits within the national box truck benchmark of $1.35–$1.90/mi.

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

A semi costs about $1.93 per mile to operate in Montana in 2026 — roughly $0.51/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $348/month. That sits within the national semi benchmark of $1.75–$2.45/mi.

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

The cargo van has the lowest cost per mile in Montana at about $0.84/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 Montana?**

Montana charges 29.5¢ per gallon in state diesel tax — near the national average. That is built into the $3.50/gallon pump price used in these Montana cost-per-mile estimates.

## Nearby state pages

- [Cost per mile in North Dakota](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/north-dakota)
- [Cost per mile in South Dakota](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/south-dakota)
- [Cost per mile in Wyoming](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/wyoming)
- [Cost per mile in Idaho](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/idaho)