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Intermodal Earnings in Arizona

How much can intermodal owner-operators earn in Arizona (AZ)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Mountain West region.

Intermodal Earnings Overview — Arizona

Rate Per Mile

$2.37

+12.9% vs national

Est. Gross Monthly

$20,145

+12.9% vs national

Est. Net Monthly

$11,934

After COL-adjusted expenses

Arizona vs National Average

MetricArizonaNational AvgDiff
Rate/Mile$2.37$2.10+12.9%
Gross Monthly$20,145$17,850+12.9%
Est. Net Monthly$11,934$11,603+2.9%
Cost of Living103 (Average)100 (Baseline)+3%
Fuel Tax26.0c/gal~32c/galBelow avg

Cost of Living Impact in Arizona

COL Index: 103Average cost of living

Arizona has a roughly average cost of living (index 103). Intermodal rates of $2.37/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making AZ a balanced market for intermodal owner-operators.

Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown

CategoryEst. Monthly% of Gross
Fuel$3,32016.5%
Insurance$8064.0%
Truck Payment / Lease$1,8008.9%
Maintenance & Repairs$8064.0%
Tires$3001.5%
Permits & Licenses$1550.8%
Food & Living$8244.1%
Phone / Software$2001.0%
Total Expenses$8,21140.8%
Net Take-Home$11,93459.2%

Expenses adjusted for Arizona's cost of living index (103). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.

Fuel Cost Impact in Arizona

26.0c/gal fuel tax

Arizona's fuel tax of 26.0 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $90/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with high freight volume, AZ offers solid margin potential.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Arizona

1Denver CO → Salt Lake City UT
2Phoenix AZ → Albuquerque NM
3Boise ID → Salt Lake City UT
4Las Vegas NV → Denver CO

Intermodal Earnings — Arizona vs Nearby States

StateRate/MileGross/MoFuel Tax
Arizona (AZ)$2.37$20,14526.0c
New Mexico (NM)$2.29$19,46518.875c
Oklahoma (OK)$2.30$19,55019.0c
Texas (TX)$2.40$20,40020.0c

Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Arizona

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

Intermodal Earnings in Arizona — FAQ

Based on our rate engine, intermodal owner-operators in Arizona can expect approximately $2.37/mile, translating to ~$20,145 gross monthly. After estimated expenses of ~$8,211/month, net take-home is approximately $11,934/month. Actual earnings vary by lanes, experience, and negotiation skills.
Our model puts Arizona at $2.37/mile for intermodal, against a baseline of $2.10/mile for that equipment class. The state's cost of living index is 103 (Average), and the fuel tax is 26.0c/gal. With high freight volume and an owner-operator friendliness score of 8/10, AZ is a strong market for intermodal carriers.
The top expenses for intermodal operators in Arizona are: fuel (~$3,320/mo), truck payment (~$1,800/mo), insurance (~$806/mo), and maintenance (~$806/mo). Arizona's cost of living (average) affects food, lodging, and living expenses. Total estimated monthly expenses: ~$8,211.
Top intermodal freight lanes in the Mountain West region include: Denver CO → Salt Lake City UT; Phoenix AZ → Albuquerque NM; Boise ID → Salt Lake City UT; Las Vegas NV → Denver CO. Arizona's key freight corridors run along I-10 and I-17, connecting Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa. Securing consistent round-trip loads minimizes deadhead and maximizes net earnings.
Arizona's fuel tax is 26.0 cents/gallon, which is near the national average of ~32c. For a intermodal averaging 5-6 MPG and running ~8,000 loaded miles/month, this translates to ~$390/month in state fuel tax alone.

Want to hit the top of these intermodal numbers in Arizona?

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