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Semi / Dry Van Cost Per Mile in Texas

Know your true cost per mile before evaluating any load. CPM is the baseline metric for every carrier — if you don't know your cost, you can't know your profit.

Your Numbers

Equipment Type

State

Semi operations combine the largest revenue potential with the highest cost exposure, making disciplined cost tracking non-negotiable.

Fuel, insurance, maintenance reserves, and compliance overhead all materially shift your true breakeven CPM from month to month.

Fixed Costs (Monthly)

Variable Costs

Operating Profile

Your Results

Cost per mile

$1.35/mi

Operating: vs avg $1.27/miAbove avgTarget rate: vs avg $2.26/miBelow avg

Cost Breakdown

Fuel$0.71/mi53%
Maintenance$0.38/mi28%
Tires$0.06/mi4%
Fixed costs$0.20/mi15%

Target rate (incl. income goal)

$1.78/mi

Cost per day

$516.73/day

Monthly operating cost

$15,502

Monthly operating + income goal

$20,502

Fuel cost per mile

$0.71/mi

Fixed cost per mile

$0.20/mi

Semi / Dry Van Costs in Texas

Diesel fuel in Texas currently averages $4.83 per gallon, which includes a state fuel tax of 20.0¢ per gallon. This relatively low fuel tax helps keep your semi / dry van fuel cost per mile below the national average.

Average commercial semi / dry van insurance in Texas runs approximately $485/month. This moderate premium is typical for the region and should be reviewed annually to ensure you're not overpaying.

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.

Texas has no state income tax, which improves net take-home for owner-operators. The state's massive freight economy — driven by energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and cross-border trade — offers diverse lane options across I-35, I-10, and I-20.

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.

Compare in neighboring states: New Mexico · Oklahoma · Arkansas · Louisiana
Compare other equipment in Texas: Cargo Van · Sprinter · Box Truck

Cost Per Mile by State

Select your state for local diesel prices, insurance rates, and region-specific cost data. Coverage includes 49 states.

These tools are provided for informational purposes and should not be treated as legal, tax, or financial advice.