Semi / Dry Van Cost Per Mile in California

Diesel fuel in California currently averages $6.43 per gallon, which includes a state fuel tax of 68.2¢ per gallon. This is one of the higher fuel tax rates in the country, making fuel cost an outsized portion of your semi / dry van CPM.

Average commercial semi / dry van insurance in California runs approximately $517/month. This above-average premium means insurance is a larger-than-usual share of your fixed costs — reducing deadhead miles and maximizing utilization becomes even more critical to keeping CPM competitive.

Semi trucks average 5.5–7.5 MPG, making fuel the largest single expense — typically 30–40% of total CPM. At these consumption rates, even a $0.20/gallon price difference between states changes your CPM by $0.03–$0.04/mile, which compounds to $300–$450/month at 11,500 miles.

California enforces CARB diesel emission standards and strict idle-time limits that affect equipment choices and route planning. The state's AB 5 law also impacts independent contractor classification, and the highest fuel prices in the nation make CPM optimization critical.

Semi insurance premiums are the highest of any equipment class, reflecting the higher liability exposure and cargo values. Tire costs ($0.04–$0.06/mile), DEF fluid, and DPF maintenance add meaningful variable costs that lighter equipment classes don't face.