Montana IFTA Rates & Trucking Overview 2026
Montana at 28.5¢/gal is slightly below average nationally but above its best-priced neighbors. Montana is one of the most sparsely populated IFTA states — distances between fuel stops can exceed 100 miles in eastern Montana, making fuel planning critical. Billings is the state's largest city and serves as the primary freight hub for the Northern Plains.
Major Montana Trucking Routes
I-90 (Billings–Missoula–Spokane WA), I-15 (Great Falls–Helena–Butte–Idaho), I-94 (Billings–Miles City–North Dakota border), US-2 (Havre–Great Falls–Glacier NP, northern tier)
Wyoming to the south at 24.0¢ is meaningfully cheaper, and North Dakota to the east at 23.0¢ is better for I-94 eastern corridor runs. Idaho to the west at 32.0¢ is slightly more expensive. Montana's economy generates freight from agriculture (wheat, barley, lentils), energy (coal, oil from the Bakken fringe), and mining (copper, gold, talc). Seasonal highway closures due to weather are common on mountain passes.
Montana IFTA — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Montana's IFTA diesel tax rate in 2026?
Montana's diesel rate is 28.5¢/gal for 2026. Wyoming (24.0¢) and North Dakota (23.0¢) are the better fueling options among Montana's neighbors. Given the large distances between fuel stops in eastern Montana, careful fuel planning is essential.
Who administers IFTA for Montana-based carriers?
Montana IFTA is administered by the Motor Vehicle Division. File quarterly at doj.mt.gov. Montana has no sales tax, which keeps pump prices slightly lower than the excise rate alone would suggest.
What are the fuel planning challenges in eastern Montana?
Eastern Montana has stretches of I-94 and US-2 with no fuel available for 60–100+ miles. Running out of fuel on these corridors in winter can be life-threatening. Many carriers carry auxiliary fuel tanks or plan fuel stops in Billings, Miles City, and Glendive before crossing into North Dakota.
What freight moves through Montana?
Agriculture (wheat, barley, lentils — Montana is a top-3 wheat producer), coal from the Powder River Basin area, oil and gas from eastern Montana fields, and lumber/forest products from western Montana are primary commodities. Intermodal traffic on BNSF's mainline parallels I-90.