Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 1,407 miles, a gas price of $4.052 and a diesel price of $6.081 a gallon. Towing a car on a trailer or dolly lowers fuel economy by about 15%.
| Truck | MPG | Gallons | Fuel cost | Towing a car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo van | 16 | 88 | $356 | $419 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 128 | $518 | $610 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 156 | $633 | $745 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 176 | $713 | $838 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 201 | $814 | $958 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 176 | $1,069 | $1,258 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $458 in fuel alone, so it pays to rent only as much truck as you need.
Fuel prices at each end of the move
| Where | Gas | Diesel | Price basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $3.860 | $5.740 | Lower Atlantic average |
| Denver, CO | $4.244 | $6.422 | Denver average |
Gas runs about $0.38 a gallon cheaper around Atlanta, GA. Fill the tank before you leave Atlanta and stretch it as far as you safely can.
Weekly retail averages from the U.S. Energy Information Administration for the week of October 19, 2026. Prices along the way will vary. EIA source
Planning the drive
A loaded box truck is slower than a car on hills and safest at moderate speeds, and most drivers find 450 miles a comfortable day. That makes Atlanta, GA to Denver, CO a 4-day drive, so budget for hotel nights and meals on top of fuel. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.
Other moves
Going the other way? See Denver, CO to Atlanta, GA.
More moves from Atlanta
- Atlanta to New York
- Atlanta to Los Angeles
- Atlanta to Chicago
- Atlanta to Houston
- Atlanta to Phoenix
- Atlanta to Philadelphia
- Atlanta to San Diego
- Atlanta to Dallas
- Atlanta to Austin
- Atlanta to Charlotte
- Atlanta to San Francisco
- Atlanta to Seattle
- Atlanta to Nashville
- Atlanta to Miami
- Atlanta to Boston
- Atlanta to Las Vegas
- Atlanta to Orlando
- Atlanta to Tampa
- Atlanta to Raleigh
More moves to Denver
- New York to Denver
- Los Angeles to Denver
- Chicago to Denver
- Houston to Denver
- Phoenix to Denver
- Philadelphia to Denver
- San Diego to Denver
- Dallas to Denver
- Austin to Denver
- Charlotte to Denver
- San Francisco to Denver
- Seattle to Denver
- Nashville to Denver
- Miami to Denver
- Boston to Denver
- Las Vegas to Denver
- Orlando to Denver
- Tampa to Denver
- Raleigh to Denver