Moving truck gas cost from Dallas, TX to Milwaukee, WI

The drive is about 1,001 miles. In a 15 to 17 ft rental truck getting around 9 MPG, fuel comes to roughly $437 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$437Likely $397 to $485

Compare

  • 10 to 12 ft truck$357save $79
  • 20 to 22 ft truck$491+$55
  • Towing a car$514+$77
  • Round trip$873+$437

1,001 miles at 9 MPG: 111.2 gallons, $0.44 a mile. The likely range allows for fuel economy 10% better or worse.

DallasMilwaukee

Routes from OSRM using© OpenStreetMap contributors data

Distance
1,001 miles
Driving days
3 at 450 mi a day
Behind the wheel
About 19 hours
Gas price used
$3.925 a gallon

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 1,001 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 van1663$246$289
10 to 12 ft truck1191$357$420
15 to 17 ft truck9111$437$514
20 to 22 ft truck8125$491$578
26 ft truck7143$561$660
26 ft truck (diesel)8125$767$902

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $316 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
Milwaukee, WI$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 Milwaukee, WI a 3-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 Milwaukee, WI to Dallas, TX.