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Dry Van Earnings in Virginia

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

Dry Van Earnings Overview — Virginia

Rate Per Mile

$2.42

-1.2% vs national

Est. Gross Monthly

$20,570

-1.2% vs national

Est. Net Monthly

$11,874

After COL-adjusted expenses

Virginia vs National Average

MetricVirginiaNational AvgDiff
Rate/Mile$2.42$2.45-1.2%
Gross Monthly$20,570$20,825-1.2%
Est. Net Monthly$11,874$13,536-12.3%
Cost of Living112 (Above Average)100 (Baseline)+12%
Fuel Tax28.7c/gal~32c/galBelow avg

Cost of Living Impact in Virginia

COL Index: 112Above Average cost of living

Virginia has a roughly average cost of living (index 112). Dry Van rates of $2.42/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making VA a balanced market for dry van owner-operators.

Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown

CategoryEst. Monthly% of Gross
Fuel$3,68617.9%
Insurance$8234.0%
Truck Payment / Lease$1,8008.8%
Maintenance & Repairs$8234.0%
Tires$3001.5%
Permits & Licenses$1680.8%
Food & Living$8964.4%
Phone / Software$2001.0%
Total Expenses$8,69642.3%
Net Take-Home$11,87457.7%

Expenses adjusted for Virginia's cost of living index (112). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.

Fuel Cost Impact in Virginia

28.7c/gal fuel tax

Virginia's fuel tax of 28.7 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving dry van carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $50/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with very high freight volume, VA offers solid margin potential.

Top Dry Van Lanes from Virginia

1Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC
2Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN
3Savannah GA → Memphis TN
4Miami FL → Atlanta GA

Dry Van Earnings — Virginia vs Nearby States

StateRate/MileGross/MoFuel Tax
Virginia (VA)$2.42$20,57028.7c
Alabama (AL)$2.36$20,06029.2c
Arkansas (AR)$2.49$21,16524.8c
Florida (FL)$2.65$22,52536.525c
Georgia (GA)$2.54$21,59031.2c

Maximize Your Dry Van Earnings in Virginia

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 Virginia — FAQ

Based on our rate engine, dry van owner-operators in Virginia can expect approximately $2.42/mile, translating to ~$20,570 gross monthly. After estimated expenses of ~$8,696/month, net take-home is approximately $11,874/month. Actual earnings vary by lanes, experience, and negotiation skills.
Our model puts Virginia at $2.42/mile for dry van, against a baseline of $2.45/mile for that equipment class. The state's cost of living index is 112 (Above Average), and the fuel tax is 28.7c/gal. With very high freight volume and an owner-operator friendliness score of 6/10, VA is a decent market for dry van carriers.
The top expenses for dry van operators in Virginia are: fuel (~$3,686/mo), truck payment (~$1,800/mo), insurance (~$823/mo), and maintenance (~$823/mo). Virginia's cost of living (above average) affects food, lodging, and living expenses. Total estimated monthly expenses: ~$8,696.
Top dry van freight lanes in the Southeast region include: Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC; Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN; Savannah GA → Memphis TN; Miami FL → Atlanta GA. Virginia's key freight corridors run along I-95 and I-64, connecting Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond. Securing consistent round-trip loads minimizes deadhead and maximizes net earnings.
Virginia's fuel tax is 28.7 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 ~$430/month in state fuel tax alone.

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

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