Trucking Costs in Illinois

Illinois diesel prices run $0.15-$0.40 above the national average, with Chicago-area stations typically the most expensive. The state diesel tax is 45.6 cents per gallon (increased from 19 cents in 2019 through the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan) — among the highest in the nation. As of early 2026, Illinois diesel averages $3.95-$4.45 per gallon. Chicago-area prices can exceed $4.50. For a truck averaging 6.5 MPG at 10,000 monthly miles, fuel costs run $6,100-$6,800. The cheapest fuel is typically found along I-57 in southern Illinois and along I-74 near the Indiana border. Many Illinois-based carriers fuel in Indiana or Missouri when possible, as both states have significantly lower fuel taxes. Illinois IFTA fuel tax liability is among the highest of any base state. The state's position as a Midwest freight hub means most loads pass through rather than originating in Illinois, affecting IFTA credit calculations.

Chicago-area tolls are a major cost factor. The Illinois Tollway system charges commercial rates that add $800-$2,000/month for local operations. A full I-90 Tollway run costs about $28 for a 5-axle truck. The Chicago Skyway adds $38 per crossing. I-PASS is essential — non-I-PASS vehicles pay double rates. Unlike New York, Illinois does not have a separate Highway Use Tax, so IFTA and tolls are the primary per-mile charges. However, Cook County imposes a wheel tax of $100-$250 per commercial vehicle for trucks registered in the county. Toll costs are tax-deductible business expenses and should be tracked carefully. Some carriers negotiate toll reimbursement into their rate agreements for Chicago-area loads, especially for loads requiring multiple Tollway crossings. The Illinois Tollway website provides a toll calculator for route planning.

Annual insurance for an Illinois owner-operator averages $13,000-$28,000 depending on operating territory. Illinois vehicle registration for commercial trucks runs $600-$1,500 based on gross weight, paid through the Secretary of State. Illinois charges a state income tax of 4.95% flat rate — relatively moderate but still significant. An owner-operator netting $70,000 pays approximately $3,465 in state income tax. Combined with federal taxes, the total tax burden is meaningful. Self-employment tax on Schedule SE adds to the burden. Illinois does not have a local income tax (unlike some states), but Cook County has additional vehicle registration taxes. IRP apportioned plates with Illinois as the base state are administered by the SOS. The Illinois Trucking Association provides tax planning resources for members. Annual total registration, insurance, and tax costs typically run $0.17-$0.25 per mile.

An Illinois-based owner-operator with a paid-off truck faces total costs of $1.60-$2.00 per mile for downstate operations and $1.75-$2.15 for Chicago-area operations. With a truck payment, costs increase to $1.85-$2.40. Breakdown: fuel $0.60-$0.70/mi, tolls $0.05-$0.15/mi (higher in Chicago), insurance $0.11-$0.19/mi, maintenance $0.15-$0.20/mi, state taxes $0.04-$0.05/mi, and overhead $0.05-$0.08/mi. Illinois rates are moderate — dry van $2.40/mi, reefer $2.75/mi, flatbed $3.00/mi. The state's position as the nation's freight crossroads means abundant load availability but also intense competition. Chicago intermodal drayage pays $250-$500 per load for short-haul container moves. Owner-operators grossing $180,000-$220,000 in Illinois can net $50,000-$75,000 after expenses and taxes. The I-55 corridor to St. Louis and I-80 corridor to the East Coast are consistently profitable lanes.