9 Smart Ways to Cut Costs in Dry Van Trucking (Without Going Crazy)

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

So you're hauling freight coast to coast, but somehow the numbers still ain’t addin’ up. Fuel’s high, rates are low, and every week feels like a hustle just to break even. Been there. Whether you’re running your own rig or leased on, here are 9 cost-cutting tips that don’t involve duct tape or bad decisions.

1. Know Your Cost Per Mile – For Real

You can’t cut costs if you don’t know where they’re leaking. Track your expenses down to the penny: fuel, food, maintenance, insurance, tolls, and downtime. Once you know what you’re spending per mile, you can spot what’s bleeding you dry.

Think of it like this: you wouldn’t drive a truck with no gauges, right? So don’t run your business blind either.

👉 Learn how to break this down at LifeAsATrucker.com

2. Stop Fueling by Habit

Drivers love their favorite truck stop, but that loyalty can cost you. Use apps like Trucker Path, Mudflap, or Fuelbook to find cheaper diesel prices. Ten cents a gallon adds up real fast over 2,000 miles a week.

Bonus tip: Don’t fill all the way up in states with high fuel tax if your next stop is in a cheaper tax state. Use the IFTA strategy to your advantage.

3. Slow Down, Save Fuel

Every 5mph over 60 eats fuel like a buffet. Drop that speed to 62–65 and you’ll see a noticeable bump in MPG. You’re not runnin' moonshine – take it easy on the pedal.

Speed burns profits. Ask any veteran driver who’s not always in the shop.

4. Watch Those Tires

Underinflated or misaligned tires drag your fuel economy into the dirt. Keep your tires aired up and rotated. Also, shop around – don’t let the tire shop at the truck stop set your price without a second opinion.

Pro tip: Smartway-certified tires might cost more upfront but save money long-term with better fuel efficiency.

5. Get Ruthless About Idle Time

Idling eats about a gallon of diesel an hour. Multiply that by every night you’re parked with the engine running... you see where this is going. Install an APU or portable bunk heater if you’re OTR a lot. The upfront investment pays off fast.

If that’s not in the cards, learn to layer up and park smarter.

6. Maintenance Ain’t Optional

Skip preventive maintenance now, pay big-time later. Oil changes, brake checks, and regular inspections keep you from getting hit with a $5K roadside breakdown.

Don’t try to save $300 now just to pay $3,000 later. That math never works.

7. Cut the Fast Food Budget

Yeah, it’s easy to hit Wendy’s twice a day. But if you drop $20 a day on road food, that’s over $600 a month. Keep a cooler, an inverter, and a crockpot or portable air fryer in your truck. You’ll eat better and keep your wallet fatter.

8. Don’t Haul Cheap Freight

Sometimes, saying NO makes you more money than saying yes. Know your bottom line and walk away from loads that don’t pay. Use load boards smartly, negotiate like a pro, and keep track of shady brokers.

Remember: just because it moves doesn’t mean you should move it.

9. Stack Side Hustle Income

You might not be able to save your way to wealth, but you can hustle smarter. Use your off-duty hours to build an online side hustle. AI tools, content creation, and automation can bring in money without exhausting you further.

Start learning how other truckers are stacking online income at OffDutyMoney.com

Bottom Line: Keep the Wheels Turning and the Dollars Sticking

You don’t have to nickel-and-dime everything to survive in dry van trucking – but if you don’t know where your money’s going, you’ll always be playing catch-up.

👉 Run your rig like a business
👉 Watch your fuel, speed, and loads
👉 Get creative with your income

Want to learn how other truckers are stacking money while still rollin’?
Head over to OffDutyMoney.com
and start your exit plan early. Truck smart, live free. 💯