How Much Does a New Semi Truck Cost?
Last Updated: January 31, 2022
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Trucking is a major part of the U.S. economy. Trucks make up the vast majority of the country's ground transportation of consumer goods and raw materials.
Buying a new semi-truck is a major investment. Nevertheless, whether you're a single owner-operator or you own a large fleet of trucks it's an investment that will pay for itself many times over.
New Semi-Truck Average Costs #
Semi-trucks, also known as highway trucks, vary widely in price. The cost is influenced by the size of the truck, whether it's a day cab or sleeper, and factors like fuel efficiency, horsepower and cargo capacity.
New trucks begin at around $80,000 and run up to $150,000 or more. If you opt for a large number of custom features, the price tag could reach $200,000.
- On the low end of that price range you can purchase a day cab with a single axle and lower capacity.
- On the high end you can purchase a sleeper cab with lots of cargo capacity and horsepower.
There are many financing options available for highway trucks. If you opt to purchase your truck, you can take out a loan through the bank or take advantage of dealer financing. In most cases, a down payment is required.
Leasing a truck is another option to consider. Often, no down payment is required. This is usually the best option if you plan to upgrade your fleet of trucks every few years. After the lease term is up, you can trade in your semi-truck for a newer model.
Choosing a Semi-Truck #
Before you approach a dealer it's best to have an idea of what kind of truck you're looking to buy. If your routes are strictly local, you'll want to buy a day cab. If they're long distance, you'll need to buy a sleeper.
Keep in mind that the initial purchase or lease price is far from the only cost you'll incur. You'll also need to budget for:
- Fuel costs
- Regular oil changes and other routine maintenance
- Insurance
Fuel efficiency and cargo capacity are two other important considerations in choosing a highway truck. You'll need a truck that is large enough to handle the volume of goods or materials you transport. But, you'll also want to select a model that is designed to get the best fuel efficiency possible at highway speeds.
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