Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 835 miles, a gas price of $4.055 and a diesel price of $6.105 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 | 52 | $212 | $249 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 76 | $308 | $362 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 93 | $376 | $443 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 104 | $423 | $498 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 119 | $484 | $569 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 104 | $637 | $750 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $272 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | $3.860 | $5.740 | Lower Atlantic average |
| Boston, MA | $4.249 | $6.470 | Boston average |
Gas runs about $0.39 a gallon cheaper around Charlotte, NC. Fill the tank before you leave Charlotte 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 Charlotte, NC to Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA to Charlotte, NC.
More moves from Charlotte
- Charlotte to New York
- Charlotte to Los Angeles
- Charlotte to Chicago
- Charlotte to Houston
- Charlotte to Phoenix
- Charlotte to Philadelphia
- Charlotte to San Diego
- Charlotte to Dallas
- Charlotte to Austin
- Charlotte to San Francisco
- Charlotte to Seattle
- Charlotte to Denver
- Charlotte to Nashville
- Charlotte to Atlanta
- Charlotte to Miami
- Charlotte to Las Vegas
- Charlotte to Orlando
- Charlotte to Tampa
- Charlotte to Raleigh
More moves to Boston
- New York to Boston
- Los Angeles to Boston
- Chicago to Boston
- Houston to Boston
- Phoenix to Boston
- Philadelphia to Boston
- San Diego to Boston
- Dallas to Boston
- Austin to Boston
- San Francisco to Boston
- Seattle to Boston
- Denver to Boston
- Nashville to Boston
- Atlanta to Boston
- Miami to Boston
- Las Vegas to Boston
- Orlando to Boston
- Tampa to Boston
- Raleigh to Boston