Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 783 miles, a gas price of $3.782 and a diesel price of $5.822 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 | 49 | $185 | $218 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 71 | $269 | $317 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 87 | $329 | $387 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 98 | $370 | $435 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 112 | $423 | $498 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 98 | $570 | $670 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $238 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | $3.704 | $5.903 | Texas average |
| Atlanta, GA | $3.860 | $5.740 | Lower Atlantic average |
Gas runs about $0.16 a gallon cheaper around Dallas, TX. Fill the tank before you leave Dallas 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 Dallas, TX to Atlanta, GA 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 Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX.
More moves from Dallas
- Dallas to New York
- Dallas to Los Angeles
- Dallas to Chicago
- Dallas to Houston
- Dallas to Phoenix
- Dallas to Philadelphia
- Dallas to San Diego
- Dallas to Austin
- Dallas to Charlotte
- Dallas to San Francisco
- Dallas to Seattle
- Dallas to Denver
- Dallas to Nashville
- Dallas to Miami
- Dallas to Boston
- Dallas to Las Vegas
- Dallas to Orlando
- Dallas to Tampa
- Dallas to Raleigh
More moves to Atlanta
- New York to Atlanta
- Los Angeles to Atlanta
- Chicago to Atlanta
- Houston to Atlanta
- Phoenix to Atlanta
- Philadelphia to Atlanta
- San Diego to Atlanta
- Austin to Atlanta
- Charlotte to Atlanta
- San Francisco to Atlanta
- Seattle to Atlanta
- Denver to Atlanta
- Nashville to Atlanta
- Miami to Atlanta
- Boston to Atlanta
- Las Vegas to Atlanta
- Orlando to Atlanta
- Tampa to Atlanta
- Raleigh to Atlanta