Intermodal Trucking in Raleigh, NC

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

$2.04

Rate / Mile

$17,340

Est. Gross / Month

$11,271

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 North Carolina

Intermodal Earnings in North Carolina

Detailed earnings data for intermodal owner-operators in NC

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 Raleigh

Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC

Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN

Savannah GA → Memphis TN

Miami FL → Atlanta GA

Why Raleigh for Intermodal

Key Industries

Technology & software
Pharmaceuticals & biotech
Government
Higher education
Healthcare

Key Highways

I-40I-440 (Beltline)I-540US-1US-64/US-264

Top Shippers

Cisco Systems
Red Hat (IBM)
Fidelity Investments
NC State Government

Distribution Centers Near Raleigh

Amazon RDU5 fulfillment center

Walmart DC #6059 (Laurinburg)

UPS regional hub (RDU Airport)

FedEx Ground (Selma)

Need Intermodal Dispatch in Raleigh?

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

Compare Dispatch Services

Intermodal Trucking in Raleigh — FAQ

The modelled intermodal rate for Raleigh is $2.04 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 Raleigh can expect approximately $17,340 gross monthly revenue and around $11,271 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.

Top intermodal lanes from the Raleigh 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.

Raleigh sits in the Southeast freight region, and its freight base is driven by technology & software, pharmaceuticals & biotech, government. It is served by I-40, I-440 (Beltline), I-540, 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 Raleigh include I-40, I-440 (Beltline), I-540, US-1, US-64/US-264. These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the Southeast region.