Trucking Expenses Checklist: Don't Forget These Costs

Missing expenses in your calculations is the fastest way to lose money. Here's every cost you need to track.

Direct Costs (Per-Mile)

These scale with miles:

Fixed Costs (Monthly)

These stay the same regardless of miles:

The Expenses Most Truckers Forget

1. License & Drug Testing

CDL renewal: ~$50/year

Med card: ~$50-100

Random drug tests: unpredictable

2. Scales & Scale Fees

CAT Scale: $10-15/use

Pre-pass/PikePass: ~$90/year

3. Baseplate & IRP

Baseplate: $500-3,000/year (varies by state)

IRP (International Registration Plan): varies

4. IFTA Reporting

Quarterly taxes

May need accountant: $200-500/quarter

5. Accounting & Bookkeeping

Software: $20-50/month

Accountant: variable

6. Professional Services

Lawyer: if issues arise

DOT compliance services

7. Association Fees

TCA: ~$300/year

State trucking associations: varies

8. Travel Expenses (Non-Driver)

showers

Scales

Parking

Food (yes, this is a business expense if documented)

The Maintenance Reserve Rule

Always, always, always set aside $0.12-0.15/mile for maintenance.

This covers:

Oil changes

Tire wear

Brake pads

Repairs

Major breakdowns

Don't skip this. You'll need it.

Review Quarterly

Costs change. Review your expenses every quarter and adjust:

Fuel prices go up/down

Insurance renewals

Maintenance needs

*Know every cost. Keep every dollar.*