ATRI Estimates Average Cost-Per-Mile of Trucking

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has performed some data collecting to find out the average cost a truck will pay when it comes to operating a truck, at least for the years 2013 to 2022. This information can be quite helpful for fleet owners in making business decisions.

Details

The listed costs on a per mile basis provided by ATRI are:

• Fuel cost.
• Lease or purchase payments.
• Repair/Maintenance.
• Truck insurance premiums.
• Permits/Licenses.
• Tires.
• Tolls.
• Driver wages.
• Driver benefits.

In total, the ATRI estimates the total cost per mile for an average truck to operate to be $2.251 per mile, and $90.78 per hour.

Of course, as with all averages, one size does not fit all. Truckers who work primarily in California are likely to pay more in fuel prices than one in Georgia. Another example is paying more than the listed 72.4 centers per mile for a trucker in order to attract top talent.

Compared to 2021, costs per mile increased 21.3% in 2022. The biggest culprit? Fuel prices, increasing almost 54% from 2021. This highlights the importance of best practices when driving to conserve fuel. In contrast, permits, licenses, and tolls decreased from year to year.

To get a more accurate reading on your fleet’s cost-per-mile would require some personal accounting, but $2.25 is a good rule of thumb to go by for the remainder of 2023. Considering freight rates have consistently stayed above that number for 2022, that means it makes financial sense to get more trucks and drivers if your fleet can get more work for them. Additionally, this does not include overhead that would have to be considered, such as the rent for the business headquarters.

Conclusion

If you are interested in reading the report yourself, you can get it from the relevant ATRI webpage.

If you need more trucks and/or trailers to get your trucking company to make you more money by traveling more miles, Topmark Funding can help by leveraging our network of funding partners to get you a solution to start earning money. Learn more about what we can do for you by reading further.

ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING

TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.

We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!

We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.

Learn more about Trailer Financing.

Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.