Anyone who is involved in the industry knows that trucking can certainly be lucrative — especially when the driving of semi-trucks is involved. However, as true as this may be, there are also a number of costs associated with operating a semi-truck, especially if you have the misfortune of experiencing a truck breakdown or maintenance issue.
In this article, we will go over how much it costs to operate a semi-truck, including how much you should put aside from a truck repair service, how much it can cost for truck breakdown assistance, and more.
How Much Does it Cost to Run a Truck?
According to data provided by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the average cost of running a truck in the United States is $1.82 per mile. This means that a truck that runs 120,000 miles a year would cost $218,400.
Another study from the Trucker’s Report stated that the average yearly operating cost for a truck was $180,000. It also said that the average truck can consume more than $70,000 worth of fuel (diesel) every year, which is not surprising considering that the average truck uses about 20,5000 gallons of fuel. This is the single most substantial operating cost involved in trucking.
The second most notable cost is driver salaries. The trucking industry employs approximately 2 million Americans, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The costs of paying them add up to account for 26% of the total costs associated with the truck business.
Other expenses include maintenance, of course, which represents around 10% of the total expenses associated with operating a truck. Some of the most common required repairs include wiring issues, brake failures, and even issues with the truck’s airlines and hoses. These can cost upwards of $15,000 every single year. Other substantial costs include insurance, tires, permits, and more.
If these figures seem expensive, then it may be helpful to take into consideration how much economic activity trucks generate. This figure paints a bit of a picture: in 2017 alone, trucks carried a whopping 60.2 percent of the $614 billion worth of goods imported from Canada, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
What Goes Into the Cost of Operating a Truck?
The cost of operating a truck goes beyond the simple purchase of a vehicle. In fact, there are many factors to consider when determining how much a truck costs to run, some of which we have already touched on. A complete overview of associated costs should include:
- Driver wages
- Driver benefits
- Fuel costs
- Registration and licensing fees
- Admin costs
- Costs of capital
- Insurance costs
- Repair costs
- Tire costs
- Misc vehicle ownership costs
- Toll fees
Which Effect Does Climate Have on a Truck?
If you were wondering how much it costs to operate a semi-truck in BC, you may be curious about whether or not the wet climate has an impact.
In short, rain should not have a significant negative reaction on a truck. However, a rainy climate may make a truck more susceptible to small particles such as dirt and dust. Of course, it can also be more difficult to operate a truck in times of heavy precipitation, which could lead to harder wear and tear on the truck from heavy braking, etc.
How Many Kilometres Can a Truck Run?
Just like any other vehicle, the number of kilometres (or mileage) that is put on a truck will determine how often repairs will be needed.
24/7 Truck Repair Services in Vancouver
If you are operating a semi-truck in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, then you need help from DieselTech. With more than ten years in service, we have had the pleasure of providing our customers with professional and reliable truck maintenance and repairs. We offer services from Squamish and Abbotsford. Get in touch today to see how we can help you!