Fuel is one of the most underestimated expenses in a long-distance or cross-country move, especially if you’re planning to rent and drive a large truck yourself.

Unlike a local move, where tanking up once or twice might be enough, long-distance moves rack up hundreds or even over a thousand dollars in fuel costs depending on route, vehicle size, and gas price fluctuations.

Here’s a complete look at what gas actually costs, not just the quick guess.

1. Why Gas Costs So Much on a Long Move

When you compare driving a passenger car to a moving truck, fuel consumption changes dramatically.

A typical passenger vehicle averages 25–30 mpg on highways.

A 26-foot moving truck usually averages:

8–12 miles per gallon (MPG)

This large difference makes fuel one of the biggest line items in DIY moving.

2. Estimating Fuel for a Cross-Country Move

Let’s break it down with real-world calculations.

We’ll use a couple of sample routes:

Example 1: 1,200-mile move (e.g., Chicago → Denver)

• Truck average: 10 mpg
• Distance: 1,200 miles

Fuel required:

1,200 ÷ 10 = 120 gallons

At average gas prices (e.g., $3.75 per gallon):

120 × $3.75 = $450 total fuel cost

Example 2: 1,800-mile move (e.g., Dallas → New York City)

• Truck average: 10 mpg
• Distance: 1,800 miles

Fuel required:

1,800 ÷ 10 = 180 gallons

180 × $3.75 = $675 total fuel cost

Example 3: 2,500-mile cross-country (e.g., Los Angeles → Chicago)

• Truck average: 10 mpg
• Distance: 2,500 miles

Fuel required:

2,500 ÷ 10 = 250 gallons

250 × $3.75 = $937 total fuel cost

3. Real Factors That Affect Fuel Spend

These estimates are a baseline; actual costs can vary based on:

1. Real-Time Gas Prices

Gas volatility means fuel cost can change week to week or city to city.

You might see:

• $3.50 in rural areas
• $4.50+ near coasts or big cities

A $1.00 increase per gallon adds $120–$250 to your total fuel cost.

Terrain & Speed

• Mountain grades increase consumption
• Higher speeds reduce MPG
• Stop-and-go traffic kills efficiency

Weather Conditions

• Wind resistance (headwinds)
• Rain or snow
• Temperature extremes

Each can reduce MPG by 5–15% or more.

Second Vehicle

If your family follows in another vehicle, you’ll double fuel cost for that vehicle too.

Example:
800-mile trip × 25 mpg × $3.75 = $120 additional fuel

So combined cost can climb significantly.

4. Fuel for Truck Runs vs Personal Car

Vehicle	Avg MPG	Fuel Needed (1,800 miles)	Approx Cost
Moving Truck	~10 mpg	180 gallons	~$675
Personal Car	~25 mpg	72 gallons	~$270
Combined	—	—	~$945

Splitting vehicles can add almost $1,000 in fuel alone.

5. Mistakes People Make With Fuel Estimates

Using car MPG for truck

Moving truck MPG is much lower.

Ignoring diesel vs gas pricing

Some trucks use diesel, and prices vary regionally.

Assuming flat rates

Fuel cost differs dramatically by city/state.

Forgetting secondary vehicles

A separate car trip doubles fuel cost.

6. Fuel vs Cost of Hiring Movers

When you compare fuel expense alone to professional movers, consider:

• Fuel is only one line item of DIY costs
• You still pay for time, wear & tear, lodging, insurance, food
• Professional movers include fuel within their pricing

With fixed-pricing long-distance moving, fuel volatility doesn’t affect your bill.

7. Tips to Reduce Fuel Expense (If You DIY)

✅ Use fuel apps to find cheapest stations
✅ Plan a route that avoids hills/heavy traffic
✅ Drive at consistent highway speeds
✅ Limit stop/start traffic during rush hours
✅ Lighten the load where possible

But even with optimization, fuel remains a major cost.

8. Should You Even Drive a 26-Foot Truck?

Driving a big truck long distances comes with:

• Fuel cost impact
• Fatigue
• Hazard navigation
• Safety considerations
• Time commitment

For many people, that combination outweighs the potential savings.

Dedicated long-distance movers take the fuel and the truck driving off your plate while offering fixed pricing and transparent totals.

The Bottom Line

Fuel is not optional in a DIY long-distance move, and it’s far more expensive than most people expect.

For most cross-country routes, plan for $400–$1,000+ in fuel for just the moving truck.

Add another $200–$500+ for a personal vehicle.

The total fuel bill alone can rival or exceed what many professional long-distance movers charge, without even counting labor, lodging, or equipment.

Ready to Compare Your DIY Fuel Estimate to a Fixed-Price Professional Move?

You can get a transparent long-distance moving quote, including fuel, labor, and scheduling, in minutes.

Get your long-distance moving quote today.
Call +1 (877) 680-0559 or book online.