Trucking Costs in Maryland
Operating cost breakdown for owner-operators in Maryland and the Baltimore-Washington freight corridor.
Fuel Costs and Tax Rates
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 $5.54/gallon (EIA, Central Atlantic region, week of August 10, 2026). A truck running 10,000 miles monthly at 6.5 MPG faces fuel costs of $8,500. 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.
Toll Costs
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.
Insurance, Registration, and Taxes
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.
Total Cost Per Mile Analysis
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.