Diesel Fuel Tax Changed in July

Here is the Full Scoop

Hauling across state lines? Then your fuel math just got a bit trickier. We know it’s tough to keep up with all the changes, so we’re breaking it down for you in a simple, straightforward way. Thirteen states changed their fuel taxes recently. Most went up, a few went down. That means your cost per mile has shifted — and where you fill up really matters. Here’s what changed, why it matters, and how you can use Greenlane to keep more of your hard-earned money.

The Short Version

• Thirteen states changed their fuel taxes on July 1st. Most went up.
• Three states cut tax rates: Connecticut, Kentucky, and Maryland.
• California diesel excise is now 46.6¢ per gallon, with total state taxes around 97.1¢.
• Washington bumped taxes to 58.4¢ per gallon, with another 3¢ coming in 2027. Gas taxes are 55.4¢.
• Colorado’s increase is mostly new fees — the excise tax itself didn’t change.

The bottomline: Taxes impact your cost per mile more than the posted price at the pump suggests. Having the right fueling strategy helps you handle tax changes and save money.

State-by-State Breakdown

According to IFTA, Here’s a look at diesel taxes after July’s changes. You’ll see the new rate in cents per gallon, plus the percent change so you can gauge the impact on your fuel costs:

• California: 46.6¢ (+2.6%)
• Colorado: 32.5¢ (+14.0%) (new road-user and bridge fees)
• Connecticut: 48.9¢ (−6.7%)
• Illinois: 55.8¢ (+2.4%)
• Indiana: 61.0¢ (+3.4%)
• Kentucky: 22.0¢ (−6.0%)
• Maryland: 46.75¢ (−1.9%)
• Mississippi: 21.0¢ (+16.7%)
• Missouri: 29.5¢ (+9.3%)
• Nebraska: 31.8¢ (+4.6%)
• Rhode Island: 38.0¢ (+2.7%)
• Virginia: 32.7¢ (+2.8%)
• Washington: 58.4¢ (+5.4%)

Tips for West and Midwest lanes

We put together some suggestions for drivers running West and Midwest routes:

• West Coast runs crossing into Washington or California? Plan to top off in lower-tax states when range allows. Use the Greenlane Fuel Optimizer to time your fill, then grab just enough fuel in the higher-tax state to reach your next stop.
• Midwest carriers moving through Illinois and Indiana should compare cost per mile across borders before sticking to a usual stop. The Fuel Optimizer does this math for you.
• Southeast loops touching Kentucky or Maryland might see small cost per mile relief. Don’t expect miracles, but it’s worth checking your plan.

Why this matters for your bottom line

We know fuel is often your largest expense after your truck. That means every penny saved adds up. Sign prices can be misleading — a stop with the lowest posted price might still cost you more per mile once state taxes and your next leg are factored in. So, it pays to plan ahead and check your total cost per mile, not just the pump price.

Here are a few tips to help you save

• Map your lanes and avoid fueling in states with high taxes when possible.
• Buy enough fuel to reach lower-tax states when it’s safe and legal.
• On routes through Washington or California, find stops with the deepest discounts.
• Test your strategy by comparing two weeks of runs to see the cost per mile impact.

How Greenlane helps you pay less per mile

Have you tried Greenlane’s Fuel Optimizer? We built it to help you keep more of your hard-earned cash. With freight rates at historic lows and fuel prices fluctuating, being prepared gives you a leg up.The Fuel Optimizer plans your route by comparing fuel costs, discounts at each stop, and helps you get through high-tax zones with less financial impact. That means less hassle for you and more money in your pocket.

How to use the Greenlane Fuel Optimizer

You’re already searching the fuel map for the best discounts — try this instead:

1. Open the Fuel map and tap the search bar.
2. Select Fuel Optimizer.
3. Enter your start and end destinations.
4. Tap “Maximize my savings.”
5. Review the plan — you’ll see each stop, the Greenlane discount, segment miles, cost per mile, and total savings.
6. For the best accuracy, add your truck info in settings (make, model, tank capacity, MPG).
7. Roll with the plan! We update fast as prices and traffic change.

The goal of fuel optimizer is not to get your the biggest savings, but the lowest cost per mile by ensuring that you are fueling at the cheapest locations and avoiding as much tax as possible.

"Greenlane’s Fuel Optimizer helped me save an extra 50 bucks on my route from Colorado to Chicago last week. It drops my cost per mile, which adds up every week."
~ Joel T, Owner-Operator

Why Greenlane?

Greenlane is built by truckers, for truckers. We offer owner-operators and fleets deep diesel and reefer fuel savings at over 2,500 of the best on-highway truck stops. Save big at Love’s, Pilot/Flying J, TA/Petro, Speedway, Sunoco, Road Ranger, RaceTrac, RaceWay, Maverick, Casey’s, and Sheetz.

We’ve simplified fueling — discounts show before you pull in. Pay with your Greenlane Card or fuel without a card using secure start codes at 1,600+ in-network stops. Simple and transparent. No games.

Not a Greenlane member yet? Download the app and see why tens of thousands of truckers are moving to Greenlane.

References

• Land Line. Keith Goble. “Thirteen states impose fuel tax changes July 1.” Read article
• FreightWaves fuel market coverage on weekly benchmark diesel moves. Visit FreightWaves
  
• California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Fuel tax rates and notices. CDTFA resources
• International Fuel Tax Association

Article by Giuliano Formilan, Head of Product Marketing and Growth @Greenlane.

Reach out to us at suggestions@greenlane.ai for any comments or suggestions for future articles.