Truck driver commute cost calculator
See what your terminal commute really costs
Estimate weekly fuel, vehicle wear, and unpaid commute time, then compare the result against the advertised value of a CDL job.
Built by a CDL driver. Not affiliated with recruiters, carriers, or job boards.
Free calculator
Estimate your weekly commute cost
Change the numbers to match your vehicle and terminal commute. This is an estimate, not tax or financial advice.
Fuel per week
$35
Vehicle wear per week
$30
Commute time value
$146
Total weekly impact
$211
Estimated annual impact: $10,985. Compare this against the job's advertised pay before deciding which offer is better.
Quick answer
What drivers should know
Terminal distance can change which offer wins. A 50-mile daily round trip adds 250 miles each week before you drive one paid mile in the truck.
Real-world example
Why a commute can erase higher pay
If one job pays $100 more per week but the terminal commute costs $45 in fuel, $30 in vehicle wear, and five unpaid hours, the closer job may be worth more overall.
How to use it
Make a stronger job decision
- 1Enter your actual round-trip distance and days worked.
- 2Use your commuter vehicle MPG and current fuel price.
- 3Include vehicle wear and decide what an unpaid hour of your time is worth.
Recruiter checklist
Questions to ask before you apply or accept
- Can the truck be parked closer to home?
- How many terminal trips are required each week?
- Is orientation at a different location?
- Are tolls or parking reimbursed?
- Will dispatch require extra unpaid visits?
Common questions
CDL job comparison FAQ
What commute costs should truck drivers include?
Include fuel, routine wear, tires, maintenance, tolls, parking, and the personal value of unpaid travel time.
How much should I use for maintenance per mile?
Use your own records when possible. A broad estimate can help compare offers, but vehicle age and operating cost vary.
Does the calculator include taxes?
No. It estimates commute impact on job value and does not calculate personal taxes or deductions.
Compare the job, not just the pay claim
Paste a CDL job ad to see estimated weekly value, commute costs, pay details, and red flags. Analyze one job or compare two offers side by side.
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