Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 775 miles, a gas price of $4.086 and a diesel price of $6.124 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 | 48 | $198 | $233 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 70 | $288 | $339 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 86 | $352 | $414 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 97 | $396 | $466 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 111 | $452 | $532 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 97 | $593 | $698 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $254 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 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $4.312 | $6.508 | Central Atlantic average |
Gas runs about $0.45 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 Philadelphia, PA a 2-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 Philadelphia, PA 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 San Diego
- Atlanta to Dallas
- Atlanta to Austin
- Atlanta to Charlotte
- Atlanta to San Francisco
- Atlanta to Seattle
- Atlanta to Denver
- 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 Philadelphia
- New York to Philadelphia
- Los Angeles to Philadelphia
- Chicago to Philadelphia
- Houston to Philadelphia
- Phoenix to Philadelphia
- San Diego to Philadelphia
- Dallas to Philadelphia
- Austin to Philadelphia
- Charlotte to Philadelphia
- San Francisco to Philadelphia
- Seattle to Philadelphia
- Denver to Philadelphia
- Nashville to Philadelphia
- Miami to Philadelphia
- Boston to Philadelphia
- Las Vegas to Philadelphia
- Orlando to Philadelphia
- Tampa to Philadelphia
- Raleigh to Philadelphia