Trucking Costs in Mississippi
Operating cost analysis for owner-operators in Mississippi — one of the lowest-cost trucking states.
Fuel Costs and Tax Rates
Mississippi's state diesel tax is 18.4 cents per gallon — one of the lowest nationally — plus the 24.4-cent federal tax for a total of 42.8 cents per gallon. Diesel prices in Mississippi average $5.04/gallon (EIA, Gulf Coast region, week of August 10, 2026), consistently among the cheapest in the nation. A truck running 10,000 miles monthly at 6.5 MPG faces fuel costs of $7,750. IFTA filing is required. Fuel pricing along I-55, I-20, and I-10 is very competitive. Mississippi's proximity to Gulf Coast refineries keeps pump prices low. The state offers some of the most fuel-efficient driving conditions with flat terrain and moderate traffic outside metro areas.
Insurance, Registration, and Taxes
Annual insurance for a Mississippi owner-operator typically totals $9,000-$16,000 — among the lowest regionally. Commercial vehicle registration ranges from $200-$400 based on gross weight. The HVUT adds $550. Mississippi's state income tax ranges from 0% (first $10,000) to 5% (over $10,000). The effective rate for most owner-operators is 4-5%. No local income taxes exist. Mississippi has no vehicle personal property tax. UCR is $69-$73. Mississippi's cost of living is the lowest or second-lowest in the nation, dramatically stretching trucking income. Housing costs are 30-50% below the national average.
Maintenance and Operations
Mississippi maintenance costs are among the lowest nationally. Shop labor averages $70-$100 per hour. Budget $0.11-$0.16 per mile for maintenance. The state's flat terrain and moderate climate minimize equipment stress — mild winters reduce cold-weather maintenance, and summers, while hot and humid, are less extreme than Arizona or Texas. Humidity can accelerate corrosion on electrical systems and cause mold in sleeper cabs — address with dehumidifiers and anti-corrosion treatments. Tire costs run $2,800-$4,500 annually. Repair facilities are limited in rural areas of the Mississippi Delta, requiring self-sufficiency. Jackson and the Gulf Coast have the best truck service infrastructure.
Total Cost Per Mile Analysis
A Mississippi-based owner-operator with a paid-off truck can expect costs of $1.30-$1.65 per mile — among the lowest nationally. With truck payments, costs increase to $1.55-$1.95 per mile. Breakdown: fuel $0.53-$0.58/mi, insurance $0.07-$0.11/mi, maintenance $0.11-$0.16/mi, tires $0.03-$0.04/mi, truck payment $0.15-$0.25/mi, permits $0.01-$0.02/mi, overhead $0.04-$0.07/mi. Mississippi dry van rates average $2.10/mi and flatbed $2.55/mi. While rates are lower than the national average, the even lower costs maintain profitability. Automotive freight from Toyota and Nissan plants provides dedicated lane opportunities. Owner-operators grossing $165,000-$200,000 can net $50,000-$70,000. The nation's lowest cost of living makes this income equivalent to $70,000-$90,000 in coastal states.