Moving truck gas cost from Dallas, TX to Richmond, VA

The drive is about 1,277 miles. In a 15 to 17 ft rental truck getting around 9 MPG, fuel comes to roughly $537 at this week’s prices.

miles
Trip
$/ gallon

Average of Texas and Lower Atlantic 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$537Likely $488 to $596

Compare

  • 10 to 12 ft truck$439save $98
  • 20 to 22 ft truck$604+$67
  • Towing a car$631+$95
  • Round trip$1,073+$537

1,277 miles at 9 MPG: 141.9 gallons, $0.42 a mile. The likely range allows for fuel economy 10% better or worse.

DallasRichmond

Routes from OSRM using© OpenStreetMap contributors data

Distance
1,277 miles
Driving days
3 at 450 mi a day
Behind the wheel
About 23 hours
Gas price used
$3.782 a gallon

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 1,277 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%.

TruckMPGGallonsFuel costTowing a car
Cargo van1680$302$355
10 to 12 ft truck11116$439$517
15 to 17 ft truck9142$537$631
20 to 22 ft truck8160$604$710
26 ft truck7182$690$812
26 ft truck (diesel)8160$929$1,093

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $388 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
Richmond, VA$3.860$5.740Lower 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 Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA to Dallas, TX.