Los Angeles to Chicago trucking: miles, taxes & permits
By TruePermitReviewed by the TruePermit compliance teamRoute computed
Los Angeles, CA → Chicago, IL: 2,018 miles on truck-legal roads, about 31h 37m of driving, across 8 states. At 80,000 lbs the run generates $135.54 in government obligations — fuel tax — before the fuel itself or tolls.
Miles and fuel tax by state
| State | Miles | IFTA fuel tax (6.5 MPG) |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 454 | $23.40 |
| Utah | 364 | $21.23 |
| Nebraska | 355 | $17.36 |
| Iowa | 306 | $15.28 |
| California | 226 | $33.82 |
| Illinois | 160 | $18.12 |
| Nevada | 124 | $5.15 |
| Arizona | 29 | $1.18 |
| Route total | 2,018 | $135.54 |
Official IFTA matrix, 2026 Q3; per-gallon surcharges included where levied. Fuel tax is settled at the pump plus the quarterly return — this is the trip's total burden.
Running it without IRP / IFTA
Not apportioned? Every state on the route sells per-trip alternatives. For Los Angeles to Chicago the flat published fees total $220 per run. That's the price of flexibility — run it monthly and apportioning wins fast. The route permit checker itemizes each state's fee.
Price your own truck on this route
These figures assume 80,000 lbs, 5 axles and 6.5 MPG. The free calculator reruns the route with your weight, MPG and credentials — and with your USDOT number it adds a live FMCSA Legal-to-Run check.
Calculate this trip for your truck →Frequently asked
- How many miles is Los Angeles to Chicago by truck?
- 2,018 miles on truck-legal roads (about 31h 37m of driving), crossing 8 states. The biggest legs: Colorado (454 mi), Utah (364 mi), Nebraska (355 mi). Per-state miles come from the routing provider's state-line splits — the same jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction method IFTA returns are built on.
- How much fuel tax does the Los Angeles to Chicago run generate?
- About $135.54 at 80,000 lbs and 6.5 MPG, using the official IFTA matrix for 2026 Q3. You pay it at the pump and settle the balance on the quarterly return — this is what the trip adds to your quarter across the states it touches.
- Can I run Los Angeles to Chicago without IRP and IFTA?
- Yes — with per-trip permits in each state that requires them. For this route the flat published fees add up to $220. That's the per-run price of not being apportioned; a few runs a year and apportioning usually wins.
- Are these figures official?
- The rates are: the IFTA quarterly matrix, each weight-distance state's published schedule, and permit fees from state agency sources with verification dates. The totals are estimates for a standard 80,000-lb 5-axle dry van — your weight, MPG and exact routing move them. Not legal or tax advice.
More route costs
Estimates for compliance planning, not filings or legal/tax advice. Mileage from a truck-profile route computed 2026-09-05; your dispatch routing will differ. Excludes fuel itself, tolls, oversize/overweight formulas and local fees. Rates change quarterly — verify with each state before you file.