What is the Average Maintenance Cost for a Semi Truck?

Being an independent owner-operator or a small commercial truck fleet owner comes with its share of advantages, and there’s nothing like the freedom of the open roads in the seat of your rig. But managing finances can be taxing – and semi-truck maintenance costs are notorious drains to your wallet. Truckers Report found that the average annual cost of commercial trucking is a whopping $180,000 – and the average maintenance cost for semi truck businesses is around 10% of that total. But a little research can go a long way toward a smart budget. Let’s break down the average maintenance cost for semi truck drivers:

Fueling

One of the biggest semi truck maintenance costs is fueling and associated fuel taxes. Many drivers find themselves spending between $50,000 to $70,000 on fuel every single year with around 20,500 gallons burned on average. Want to bring those costs down? Take a look at our guides to semi truck aerodynamics and reducing idling engine fuel consumption.

Maintenance and Repairs

Overall truck costs include everything from your monthly truck payments to maintenance to tire care. Maintenance and repairs are typically the next biggest expense, besides fueling. Even if your truck is paid in full, annual tire costs can range from $1,000 to $4,000 alone. The most common repairs include issues with air lines and hoses, alternators, wiring, and brakes. This can lead to bills of over $15,000 every year! Here are just a few of the other costs to keep in mind:

• Truck Cab and Trailer: A new trailer can cost $50,000 and a new cab can cost over $100,000. However, cabs can also function as lodging to cut down on travel costs.
• Tires: Typical tire costs are only pennies per mile, but retreading can take up a large part of your budget. However, retreading is still a cost-effective way to avoid buying a brand new set.
• Insurance, Permits, Licenses, Tolls: Insurance alone can cost you over $6,500 per year, and required permits and licenses can also add to your expense.

Learn our truck maintenance tips to keep your semi in top condition and prevent major repairs from ruining your budget.

Find Out More with International Used Truck Center

When you’re on the road, feel free to stop by a International Used Truck Center location for all of your driving needs. We can help you bring down those semi truck maintenance costs, so don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.