How it works
A trip fuel budget converts miles into gallons using the entered MPG, then applies your diesel price. Both loaded and empty movement consume fuel.
The formula
Keep currency, units and time periods consistent. Percentage inputs use percentage points (enter 5 for 5%). Results are rounded only for display; tiny nonzero values may use scientific notation. Undefined ratios are shown as unavailable.
700 miles at 8 MPG require 87.50 US gallons. At $3.75/gallon, estimated fuel cost is $328.13 and fuel CPM is $0.47.
Calculation method
Extra gallons cover idling or consumption outside the distance estimate. A fuel surcharge is shown as a revenue offset only when supplied, not as an automatic profit amount.
Interpretation
Consumption changes with weight, terrain, weather and operation. This model uses US gallons and miles. At zero travel miles, fuel CPM is unavailable even if idle fuel is entered.
Limitations
Use your own carrier costs, fee agreements and approved revenue. These are planning estimates, not booking recommendations or guarantees. Inputs stay in your browser; no trip or settlement figures are saved.
Using this in a dispatch decision
Use US gallons with US MPG and include empty miles in the trip distance. Fuel cost is only one expense: $328.13 of estimated fuel does not mean a trip costing more than that amount is profitable.
Method and reference sources
Method and content checked 2026-09-20. These sources provide background, not endorsement or professional certification. The formula and limitations above define this calculator.
- ATRI — Trucking researchOperating-cost research context. No industry-average cost or contractual compensation rate is automatically used.
Frequently asked questions
Which gallon unit does the fuel calculation use?
Use US gallons with miles per US gallon and price per US gallon. Mixing imperial gallons or kilometers with those inputs creates inconsistent results.
What is a worked example for Fuel Cost?
700 miles at 8 MPG require 87.50 US gallons. At $3.75/gallon, estimated fuel cost is $328.13 and fuel CPM is $0.47.