# Trucking Cost Per Mile in South Dakota (SD)

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

> In South Dakota, 2026 operating cost per mile ranges from about $0.53/mi (cargo van) to $1.61/mi (semi), based on local diesel at $5.95/gallon and a 28.0¢/gal state diesel tax.

## Cost per mile by equipment in South Dakota

| Equipment | Est. cost/mile | Fuel/mile | Insurance/mo | National range |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cargo Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/cargo-van) | $0.53 | $0.28 | $246 | $0.33–$0.62 |
| [Sprinter](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/sprinter) | $0.71 | $0.33 | $394 | $0.48–$0.88 |
| [Box Truck](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/box-truck) | $1.17 | $0.66 | $372 | $0.80–$1.40 |
| [Semi / Dry Van](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/semi) | $1.61 | $0.85 | $456 | $1.15–$1.85 |

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

Mileage-weighted average revenue per mile from the Truxx booked-load network, paired with the South Dakota 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) | $0.53 | +$0.78 |
| Sprinter | $1.20 | $1.32 ($1.05–$1.97) | $0.71 | +$0.49 |
| Box Truck | $3.09 | $4.01 ($2.62–$6.54) | $1.17 | +$1.92 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Dry van) | $3.35 | $3.48 ($2.87–$4.01) | $1.61 | +$1.74 |
| Semi / Dry Van (Reefer) | $4.32 | $4.83 ($3.67–$5.76) | $1.61 | +$2.71 |

## South Dakota operating context

South Dakota has no state income tax, benefiting owner-operators. The state's agricultural economy generates seasonal grain and livestock hauling demand. I-90 carries east-west freight, but load options thin out in rural areas.

## South Dakota cost-per-mile FAQs

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

In South Dakota, operating cost per mile in 2026 ranges from about $0.53/mi for a cargo van to $1.61/mi for a semi, based on local diesel near $5.95/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 South Dakota?**

A cargo van costs about $0.53 per mile to operate in South Dakota in 2026 — roughly $0.28/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $246/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 South Dakota?**

A sprinter costs about $0.71 per mile to operate in South Dakota in 2026 — roughly $0.33/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $394/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 South Dakota?**

A box truck costs about $1.17 per mile to operate in South Dakota in 2026 — roughly $0.66/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $372/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 South Dakota?**

A semi costs about $1.61 per mile to operate in South Dakota in 2026 — roughly $0.85/mi in fuel plus commercial insurance near $456/month. That sits within the national semi benchmark of $1.15–$1.85/mi.

**Which truck type is cheapest to operate in South Dakota?**

The cargo van has the lowest cost per mile in South Dakota at about $0.53/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 South Dakota?**

South Dakota charges 28.0¢ per gallon in state diesel tax — near the national average. That is built into the $5.95/gallon pump price used in these South Dakota 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 Minnesota](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/minnesota)
- [Cost per mile in Iowa](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/iowa)
- [Cost per mile in Nebraska](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/nebraska)
- [Cost per mile in Wyoming](https://truxx.ai/tools/cost-per-mile-calculator/wyoming)