Semi / Dry Van Cost Per Mile in Rhode Island

Diesel fuel in Rhode Island currently averages $5.24 per gallon, which includes a state fuel tax of 35.0¢ per gallon. This fuel tax is near the national average and should be factored into your semi / dry van rate calculations.

Average commercial semi / dry van insurance in Rhode Island runs approximately $503/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.

Rhode Island's small size limits in-state mileage, but its position along the I-95 corridor and the Port of Providence create regional freight opportunities. Tolls on the Claiborne Pell and Sakonnet River bridges apply to commercial vehicles.

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.