Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 796 miles, a gas price of $3.970 and a diesel price of $5.740 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 | 50 | $198 | $232 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 72 | $287 | $338 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 88 | $351 | $413 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 100 | $395 | $465 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 114 | $451 | $531 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 100 | $571 | $672 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $254 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $3.860 | $5.740 | Lower Atlantic average |
| Miami, FL | $4.079 | $5.740 | Miami average |
Gas runs about $0.22 a gallon cheaper around Raleigh, NC. Fill the tank before you leave Raleigh 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 Raleigh, NC to Miami, FL 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 Miami, FL to Raleigh, NC.
More moves from Raleigh
- Raleigh to New York
- Raleigh to Los Angeles
- Raleigh to Chicago
- Raleigh to Houston
- Raleigh to Phoenix
- Raleigh to Philadelphia
- Raleigh to San Diego
- Raleigh to Dallas
- Raleigh to Austin
- Raleigh to Charlotte
- Raleigh to San Francisco
- Raleigh to Seattle
- Raleigh to Denver
- Raleigh to Nashville
- Raleigh to Atlanta
- Raleigh to Boston
- Raleigh to Las Vegas
- Raleigh to Orlando
- Raleigh to Tampa
More moves to Miami
- New York to Miami
- Los Angeles to Miami
- Chicago to Miami
- Houston to Miami
- Phoenix to Miami
- Philadelphia to Miami
- San Diego to Miami
- Dallas to Miami
- Austin to Miami
- Charlotte to Miami
- San Francisco to Miami
- Seattle to Miami
- Denver to Miami
- Nashville to Miami
- Atlanta to Miami
- Boston to Miami
- Las Vegas to Miami
- Orlando to Miami
- Tampa to Miami