Tennessee charges just 27.4¢ per gallon in diesel tax — one of the lowest in the Southeast. Calculate your TN IFTA liability and see why filling up before heading into Georgia or the Carolinas saves money.
Calculate Your Tennessee IFTA Tax
Gallons consumed in TN→
Net taxable gallons→
TN tax rate (2026)→27.4¢/gal
Estimated TN IFTA→
Tennessee's low rate means purchasing here generates credit that offsets tax owed in higher-rate neighboring states on your quarterly IFTA return.
Tennessee IFTA Rates & Trucking Overview 2026
Tennessee's diesel tax rate of 27.4 cents per gallon is one of the lowest in the Southeast — favorable compared to Georgia (33.1¢), North Carolina (36.1¢), and Kentucky (28.5¢). For carriers running I-40 between Memphis and Knoxville or I-65 between Nashville and Birmingham, Tennessee is the low-cost fueling state in the corridor.
Nashville and Memphis are two of the most strategically important logistics hubs in the US. Nashville sits at the intersection of I-40, I-65, and I-24 — within one overnight drive of over 65% of the US population. Memphis is home to the FedEx World Hub (the largest air cargo hub globally), the largest inland Mississippi River port, and a critical Class I railroad interchange — making it the busiest cargo node in the central US.
Major Tennessee Trucking Routes
I-40 (East-West Spine): Arkansas/Memphis border east through Nashville, Knoxville to North Carolina. One of the highest-volume transcontinental freight routes — direct LA to East Coast corridor. I-65 (North-South): Kentucky border south through Nashville to Alabama/Birmingham. Major automotive and consumer goods freight corridor. I-75 (Northeast Corridor): Kentucky border through Knoxville, Chattanooga south to Georgia. Key Southeast manufacturing corridor connecting the Midwest to Atlanta. I-24 (Nashville-Chattanooga Link): Nashville southeast to Chattanooga, connecting I-40 to I-75. Short but high-value manufacturing and distribution corridor.
Tennessee IFTA — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tennessee IFTA diesel tax rate in 2026?
Tennessee's IFTA diesel tax rate for 2026 is 27.4 cents per gallon — one of the lower rates in the Southeast. Tennessee's rate is lower than Georgia (33.1¢), North Carolina (36.1¢), Kentucky (28.5¢), and Alabama (28.5¢), making it one of the better fueling states in the region.
Is Tennessee a good state to fuel up in?
Yes. At 27.4¢/gal, Tennessee is among the cheaper Southeast states. Fueling in Chattanooga or Knoxville before heading south into Georgia (33.1¢) saves 5.7¢/gal ($8.55 per 150-gallon fill). Fueling in Memphis or Jackson before heading east into North Carolina (36.1¢) saves 8.7¢/gal ($13 per fill). Tennessee consistently ranks in the lower half of state diesel tax rates nationally.
What makes Nashville and Memphis major freight hubs?
Nashville's location at the junction of I-40, I-65, and I-24 puts it within one overnight drive of 65%+ of the US population — making it a premier distribution hub for consumer goods, auto parts, and healthcare freight. Memphis is even more uniquely positioned: it hosts the FedEx global air hub, the nation's largest inland Mississippi River port, and a major Class I rail interchange, making it the busiest cargo node in the central US.
How do I register for IFTA in Tennessee?
Tennessee IFTA registration is handled by the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Motor Carrier Section. Register and file quarterly at revenue.support.tn.gov. Due dates: Q1 (Jan–Mar) April 30, Q2 (Apr–Jun) July 31, Q3 (Jul–Sep) October 31, Q4 (Oct–Dec) January 31.