Moving truck gas cost from Dallas, TX to Memphis, TN

The drive is about 452 miles. In a 15 to 17 ft rental truck getting around 9 MPG, fuel comes to roughly $197 at this week’s prices.

miles
Trip
$/ gallon

Average of Texas and Midwest prices from EIA for the week of October 19, 2026.

More options: MPG, towing
MPG

Loaded rental trucks usually get 6 to 12 MPG. If the rental paperwork lists a figure for your truck, use that.

Fuel cost$197Likely $179 to $219

Compare

  • 10 to 12 ft truck$161save $36
  • 20 to 22 ft truck$222+$25
  • Towing a car$232+$35
  • Round trip$394+$197

452 miles at 9 MPG: 50.2 gallons, $0.44 a mile. The likely range allows for fuel economy 10% better or worse.

DallasMemphis

Routes from OSRM using© OpenStreetMap contributors data

Distance
452 miles
Driving days
2 at 450 mi a day
Behind the wheel
About 8 hours
Gas price used
$3.925 a gallon

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 452 miles, a gas price of $3.925 and a diesel price of $6.127 a gallon. Towing a car on a trailer or dolly lowers fuel economy by about 15%.

TruckMPGGallonsFuel costTowing a car
Cargo van1628$111$130
10 to 12 ft truck1141$161$190
15 to 17 ft truck950$197$232
20 to 22 ft truck857$222$261
26 ft truck765$253$298
26 ft truck (diesel)857$346$407

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $143 in fuel alone, so it pays to rent only as much truck as you need.

Fuel prices at each end of the move

WhereGasDieselPrice basis
Dallas, TX$3.704$5.903Texas average
Memphis, TN$4.145$6.352Midwest average

Gas runs about $0.44 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 Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN to Dallas, TX.