Intermodal Trucking in Columbus, OH

Market rates, top lanes, earnings estimates, and freight insights for intermodal owner-operators in Columbus.

$2.29

Rate / Mile

$19,465

Est. Gross / Month

$12,652

Est. Net / Month

Midwest

Market Region

About Intermodal Trucking

Intermodal drayage involves hauling containers between rail yards, ports, and distribution centers. Short-haul but high-frequency work, concentrated around major rail hubs and port cities.

Intermodal Market in the Midwest

The Midwest is the crossroads of American freight, with Chicago serving as the undisputed hub. I-80, I-90, and I-70 carry enormous dry van volume connecting coasts. Automotive parts, consumer goods, and agricultural products make up the bulk of loads. Competition is fierce but volume is massive. Carriers based near Chicago, Indianapolis, or Columbus benefit from exceptional load availability in virtually every direction.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Columbus

Chicago IL → Detroit MI

Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH

Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO

St. Louis MO → Nashville TN

Why Columbus for Intermodal

Key Industries

Retail distribution
Automotive assembly
Insurance & finance
Food distribution
E-commerce fulfillment

Key Highways

I-70I-71I-270I-670US-33US-23

Top Shippers

L Brands
Kroger
Honda
Big Lots

Distribution Centers Near Columbus

Amazon CMH1 (Etna)

L Brands (Bath & Body Works/Victoria's Secret) DC (Columbus)

Walmart Distribution Center (London, OH)

Kroger Corporate HQ Perishable DC (Columbus)

Big Lots Corporate HQ & DC (Columbus)

Honda Marysville Assembly (Marysville)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in Columbus?

Compare top dispatch services for intermodal carriers operating in the Columbus, OH market. Find the right partner for your lanes and equipment.

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Intermodal Trucking in Columbus — FAQ

The estimated intermodal rate in Columbus is $2.29 per loaded mile. This reflects the Midwest regional market, local demand, and seasonal conditions. Actual rates vary by lane, broker, and load specifics.

Based on current market estimates, a intermodal owner-operator based in Columbus can expect approximately $19,465 gross monthly revenue and around $12,652 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.

Top intermodal lanes from the Columbus market include: Chicago IL → Detroit MI, Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH, Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO, St. Louis MO → Nashville TN. These lanes reflect the Midwest freight patterns and may vary by season.

Columbus is located in the Midwest freight region with key industries including retail distribution, automotive assembly, insurance & finance. Access to I-70, I-71, I-270 provides strong connectivity. Rates are competitive with the national average.

Key highways for intermodal freight in Columbus include I-70, I-71, I-270, I-670, US-33, US-23. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the Midwest region.