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Intermodal Trucking in Denver, CO

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

$2.40

Rate / Mile

$20,400

Est. Gross / Month

$13,260

Est. Net / Month

Mountain West

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 Mountain West

Mountain West dry van operations face unique challenges from long distances between freight hubs and high deadhead percentages. Denver and Salt Lake City are the primary load origins, with Phoenix adding significant volume in the south. Carriers who can secure round-trip freight between these hubs perform well, but one-way loads into rural areas often require repositioning. The I-70 and I-80 corridors are critical arteries.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Denver

1
Denver CO → Salt Lake City UT
2
Phoenix AZ → Albuquerque NM
3
Boise ID → Salt Lake City UT
4
Las Vegas NV → Denver CO

Why Denver for Intermodal

Key Industries

  • Beer & beverage
  • Aerospace & defense
  • Technology
  • Natural gas & energy
  • Outdoor recreation

Key Highways

I-25I-70I-76I-270US-36US-85E-470

Top Shippers

  • Molson Coors
  • Lockheed Martin (Littleton)
  • Ball Corporation
  • Arrow Electronics

Distribution Centers Near Denver

Amazon DEN2 (Aurora)
Walmart Distribution Center (Loveland)
King Soopers (Kroger) DC (Denver)
Coors Brewing (Golden)
Arrow Electronics HQ (Centennial)
Amazon DEN3 (Thornton)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in Denver?

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

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Intermodal Trucking in Denver — FAQ

The estimated intermodal rate in Denver is $2.40 per loaded mile. This reflects the Mountain West 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 Denver can expect approximately $20,400 gross monthly revenue and around $13,260 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.
Top intermodal lanes from the Denver market include: Denver CO → Salt Lake City UT, Phoenix AZ → Albuquerque NM, Boise ID → Salt Lake City UT, Las Vegas NV → Denver CO. These lanes reflect the Mountain West freight patterns and may vary by season.
Denver is located in the Mountain West freight region with key industries including beer & beverage, aerospace & defense, technology. Access to I-25, I-70, I-76 provides strong connectivity. Rates are competitive with the national average.
Key highways for intermodal freight in Denver include I-25, I-70, I-76, I-270, US-36, US-85, E-470. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the Mountain West region.

Other Equipment Types in Denver

Intermodal in Nearby Markets