Trucking Costs in Maryland

Maryland's state diesel tax is 37.85 cents per gallon (includes a percentage-based tax component), plus the 24.4-cent federal tax for a total of approximately 62.25 cents per gallon — above the national average. Diesel prices in Maryland average $3.80-$4.15 per gallon. A truck running 10,000 miles monthly at 6.5 MPG faces fuel costs of $5,800-$6,400. IFTA filing is required. The I-95 corridor through Maryland has abundant fuel stops, though pricing is higher near Baltimore and the DC suburbs. Hagerstown (I-81/I-70) and Perryville (I-95 NE) areas offer more competitive pricing. The state's compact geography means most Maryland operations involve relatively short hauls.

Maryland tolls are a significant operating cost. A full I-95 trip through Maryland (Fort McHenry or Harbor Tunnel, plus JFK Memorial Highway) costs $24 per trip for a 5-axle truck. Daily round trips total $48. Annual toll costs for a frequent I-95 carrier can reach $10,000-$15,000. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge adds $8 per crossing. E-ZPass discounts help but tolls remain substantial. Carriers running the I-95 corridor should factor $0.03-$0.10/mi in toll costs depending on route frequency. Some carriers route via I-81 to avoid Maryland tolls for north-south freight, though this adds mileage.

Annual insurance for a Maryland owner-operator typically totals $11,000-$20,000. Commercial vehicle registration ranges from $300-$700. The HVUT adds $550 annually. Maryland's state income tax ranges from 2% to 5.75%, plus county income taxes of 2.25-3.20%. The effective total income tax rate of 4.25-8.95% is significant. Maryland has no vehicle personal property tax. UCR is $69-$73. The state's cost of living, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, is above the national average. Many trucking operators base in less expensive areas like Hagerstown, Cumberland, or the Eastern Shore while serving the metro market.

A Maryland-based owner-operator with a paid-off truck can expect costs of $1.60-$2.05 per mile. With truck payments, costs increase to $1.85-$2.30 per mile. Breakdown: fuel $0.59-$0.66/mi, tolls $0.03-$0.10/mi, insurance $0.09-$0.15/mi, maintenance $0.15-$0.20/mi, tires $0.03-$0.05/mi, truck payment $0.15-$0.25/mi, permits $0.02-$0.03/mi, overhead $0.06-$0.09/mi. Maryland dry van rates average $2.55/mi and flatbed $3.00/mi — strong rates reflecting the corridor's premium. Port of Baltimore drayage pays $80-$150 per container move. Owner-operators grossing $210,000-$260,000 can net $50,000-$80,000. Basing in western Maryland (Hagerstown) reduces costs while maintaining corridor access.