Dry Van Earnings in Texas
How much can dry van owner-operators earn in Texas (TX)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the South Central region.
Dry Van Earnings Overview — Texas
Rate Per Mile
$2.78
+13.5% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$23,630
+13.5% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$15,040
After COL-adjusted expenses
Texas vs National Average
| Metric | Texas | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.78 | $2.45 | +13.5% |
| Gross Monthly | $23,630 | $20,825 | +13.5% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $15,040 | $13,536 | +11.1% |
| Cost of Living | 93 (Below Average) | 100 (Baseline) | -7% |
| Fuel Tax | 20.0c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in Texas
Texas's below-average cost of living (index 93) is a genuine advantage for dry van owner-operators. Your $2.78/mile rate stretches further here — fuel, food, housing, and operating costs are all lower than the national baseline. This makes TX one of the better states for net take-home pay.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $3,516 | 14.9% |
| Insurance | $945 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 7.6% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $945 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.3% |
| Permits & Licenses | $140 | 0.6% |
| Food & Living | $744 | 3.1% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 0.8% |
| Total Expenses | $8,590 | 36.4% |
| Net Take-Home | $15,040 | 63.6% |
Expenses adjusted for Texas's cost of living index (93). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in Texas
Texas's fuel tax of 20.0 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving dry van carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $180/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with very high freight volume, TX offers solid margin potential.
Top Dry Van Lanes from Texas
Dry Van Earnings — Texas vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas (TX) | $2.78 | $23,630 | 20.0c |
| Arizona (AZ) | $2.75 | $23,375 | 26.0c |
| New Mexico (NM) | $2.65 | $22,525 | 18.875c |
| Oklahoma (OK) | $2.67 | $22,695 | 19.0c |
Maximize Your Dry Van Earnings in Texas
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 Texas — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these dry van numbers in Texas?
Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying dry van lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.