Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 1,102 miles, a gas price of $3.843 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 | 69 | $265 | $311 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 100 | $385 | $453 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 122 | $471 | $554 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 138 | $529 | $623 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 157 | $605 | $712 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 138 | $802 | $944 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $340 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 |
| Tampa, FL | $3.981 | $5.740 | Florida average |
Gas runs about $0.28 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 Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL 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 Atlanta
- Dallas to Miami
- Dallas to Boston
- Dallas to Las Vegas
- Dallas to Orlando
- Dallas to Raleigh
More moves to Tampa
- New York to Tampa
- Los Angeles to Tampa
- Chicago to Tampa
- Houston to Tampa
- Phoenix to Tampa
- Philadelphia to Tampa
- San Diego to Tampa
- Austin to Tampa
- Charlotte to Tampa
- San Francisco to Tampa
- Seattle to Tampa
- Denver to Tampa
- Nashville to Tampa
- Atlanta to Tampa
- Miami to Tampa
- Boston to Tampa
- Las Vegas to Tampa
- Orlando to Tampa
- Raleigh to Tampa