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Dry Van Earnings in South Dakota

How much can dry van owner-operators earn in South Dakota (SD)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Midwest region.

Dry Van Earnings Overview — South Dakota

Rate Per Mile

$2.46

+0.4% vs national

Est. Gross Monthly

$20,910

+0.4% vs national

Est. Net Monthly

$12,642

After COL-adjusted expenses

South Dakota vs National Average

MetricSouth DakotaNational AvgDiff
Rate/Mile$2.46$2.45+0.4%
Gross Monthly$20,910$20,825+0.4%
Est. Net Monthly$12,642$13,536-6.6%
Cost of Living100 (Average)100 (Baseline)+0%
Fuel Tax28.0c/gal~32c/galBelow avg

Cost of Living Impact in South Dakota

COL Index: 100Average cost of living

South Dakota has a roughly average cost of living (index 100). Dry Van rates of $2.46/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making SD a balanced market for dry van owner-operators.

Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown

CategoryEst. Monthly% of Gross
Fuel$3,34616.0%
Insurance$8364.0%
Truck Payment / Lease$1,8008.6%
Maintenance & Repairs$8364.0%
Tires$3001.4%
Permits & Licenses$1500.7%
Food & Living$8003.8%
Phone / Software$2001.0%
Total Expenses$8,26839.5%
Net Take-Home$12,64260.5%

Expenses adjusted for South Dakota's cost of living index (100). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.

Fuel Cost Impact in South Dakota

28.0c/gal fuel tax

South Dakota's fuel tax of 28.0 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving dry van carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $60/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with low freight volume, SD offers solid margin potential.

Top Dry Van Lanes from South Dakota

1Chicago IL → Detroit MI
2Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH
3Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO
4St. Louis MO → Nashville TN

Dry Van Earnings — South Dakota vs Nearby States

StateRate/MileGross/MoFuel Tax
South Dakota (SD)$2.46$20,91028.0c
Illinois (IL)$2.70$22,95046.7c
Indiana (IN)$2.66$22,61033.0c
Iowa (IA)$2.44$20,74030.0c
Kansas (KS)$2.43$20,65524.0c

Maximize Your Dry Van Earnings in South Dakota

A good dispatch service works on the three levers that move your per-mile rate: load negotiation, reduced deadhead, and detention pay recovery.

Dry Van Earnings in South Dakota — FAQ

Based on our rate engine, dry van owner-operators in South Dakota can expect approximately $2.46/mile, translating to ~$20,910 gross monthly. After estimated expenses of ~$8,268/month, net take-home is approximately $12,642/month. Actual earnings vary by lanes, experience, and negotiation skills.
Our model puts South Dakota at $2.46/mile for dry van, against a baseline of $2.45/mile for that equipment class. The state's cost of living index is 100 (Average), and the fuel tax is 28.0c/gal. With low freight volume and an owner-operator friendliness score of 8/10, SD is a strong market for dry van carriers.
The top expenses for dry van operators in South Dakota are: fuel (~$3,346/mo), truck payment (~$1,800/mo), insurance (~$836/mo), and maintenance (~$836/mo). South Dakota's cost of living (average) affects food, lodging, and living expenses. Total estimated monthly expenses: ~$8,268.
Top dry van freight lanes in the Midwest region include: Chicago IL → Detroit MI; Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH; Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO; St. Louis MO → Nashville TN. South Dakota's key freight corridors run along I-90 and I-29, connecting Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen. Securing consistent round-trip loads minimizes deadhead and maximizes net earnings.
South Dakota's fuel tax is 28.0 cents/gallon, which is near the national average of ~32c. For a dry van averaging 5-6 MPG and running ~8,000 loaded miles/month, this translates to ~$420/month in state fuel tax alone.

Want to hit the top of these dry van numbers in South Dakota?

Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying dry van lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.