Intermodal Earnings in Iowa
How much can intermodal owner-operators earn in Iowa (IA)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Midwest region.
Intermodal Earnings Overview — Iowa
Rate Per Mile
$2.18
+3.8% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$18,530
+3.8% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$10,990
After COL-adjusted expenses
Iowa vs National Average
| Metric | Iowa | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.18 | $2.10 | +3.8% |
| Gross Monthly | $18,530 | $17,850 | +3.8% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $10,990 | $11,603 | -5.3% |
| Cost of Living | 96 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | -4% |
| Fuel Tax | 30.0c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in Iowa
Iowa's below-average cost of living (index 96) is a genuine advantage for intermodal owner-operators. Your $2.18/mile rate stretches further here — fuel, food, housing, and operating costs are all lower than the national baseline. This makes IA one of the better states for net take-home pay.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $2,846 | 15.4% |
| Insurance | $741 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 9.7% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $741 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.6% |
| Permits & Licenses | $144 | 0.8% |
| Food & Living | $768 | 4.1% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 1.1% |
| Total Expenses | $7,540 | 40.7% |
| Net Take-Home | $10,990 | 59.3% |
Expenses adjusted for Iowa's cost of living index (96). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in Iowa
Iowa's fuel tax of 30.0 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $30/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with moderate freight volume, IA offers solid margin potential.
Top Intermodal Lanes from Iowa
Intermodal Earnings — Iowa vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa (IA) | $2.18 | $18,530 | 30.0c |
| Illinois (IL) | $2.41 | $20,485 | 46.7c |
| Indiana (IN) | $2.38 | $20,230 | 33.0c |
| Kansas (KS) | $2.17 | $18,445 | 24.0c |
| Michigan (MI) | $2.30 | $19,550 | 26.3c |
Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Iowa
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 Iowa — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these intermodal numbers in Iowa?
Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying intermodal lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.