Intermodal Trucking in Knoxville, TN

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

$2.10

Rate / Mile

$17,850

Est. Gross / Month

$11,603

Est. Net / Month

Southeast

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.

Statewide Intermodal Overview

Intermodal rates, lanes, and regulations across all of Tennessee

Intermodal Earnings in Tennessee

Detailed earnings data for intermodal owner-operators in TN

Intermodal Market in the Southeast

The Southeast is one of the nation's strongest dry van markets, fueled by Atlanta's role as a distribution hub and Florida's massive consumer base. Savannah and Charleston ports generate steady import freight, while automotive manufacturing in Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina adds reliable contract lanes. Deadhead rates are generally favorable thanks to high freight density along the I-75 and I-85 corridors.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Knoxville

Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC

Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN

Savannah GA → Memphis TN

Miami FL → Atlanta GA

Why Knoxville for Intermodal

Key Industries

Automotive parts manufacturing
Energy and utilities
Building materials
Food processing
Technology

Key Highways

I-40I-75I-640I-275US-441

Top Shippers

Pilot Company
Denso Manufacturing
TVA
Bush Brothers

Distribution Centers Near Knoxville

Amazon TYS1 Knoxville

Pilot Flying J corporate supply DC

Food City DC Abingdon VA (serves Knoxville)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in Knoxville?

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

Compare Dispatch Services

Intermodal Trucking in Knoxville — FAQ

The modelled intermodal rate for Knoxville is $2.10 per loaded mile. This is a regional baseline for the Southeast region adjusted for metro size — it is an estimate, not observed lane data, and real rates vary significantly by lane, broker, season, and load specifics. Check a load board for live rates before pricing a load.

Based on current market estimates, a intermodal owner-operator based in Knoxville can expect approximately $17,850 gross monthly revenue and around $11,603 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.

Top intermodal lanes from the Knoxville market include: Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC, Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN, Savannah GA → Memphis TN, Miami FL → Atlanta GA. These lanes reflect the Southeast freight patterns and may vary by season.

Knoxville sits in the Southeast freight region, and its freight base is driven by automotive parts manufacturing, energy and utilities, building materials. It is served by I-40, I-75, I-640, so reloads are generally easier to find than in markets off the interstate network. Whether it works for intermodal depends on which of those industries actually ship your equipment type — check a load board for live outbound volume.

Key highways for intermodal freight in Knoxville include I-40, I-75, I-640, I-275, US-441. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the Southeast region.