Intermodal Earnings in Massachusetts
How much can intermodal owner-operators earn in Massachusetts (MA)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Northeast region.
Intermodal Earnings Overview — Massachusetts
Rate Per Mile
$2.69
+28.1% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$22,865
+28.1% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$12,513
After COL-adjusted expenses
Massachusetts vs National Average
| Metric | Massachusetts | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.69 | $2.10 | +28.1% |
| Gross Monthly | $22,865 | $17,850 | +28.1% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $12,513 | $11,603 | +7.8% |
| Cost of Living | 135 (Very High) | 100 (Baseline) | +35% |
| Fuel Tax | 24.0c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in Massachusetts
Massachusetts's high cost of living (index 135) means your dollars don't stretch as far. While intermodal rates are above the national average at $2.69/mile, elevated food, lodging, and living expenses reduce your effective take-home pay. Owner-operators based in MA should aim for higher per-mile rates to compensate.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $4,939 | 21.6% |
| Insurance | $915 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 7.9% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $915 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.3% |
| Permits & Licenses | $203 | 0.9% |
| Food & Living | $1,080 | 4.7% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 0.9% |
| Total Expenses | $10,352 | 45.3% |
| Net Take-Home | $12,513 | 54.7% |
Expenses adjusted for Massachusetts's cost of living index (135). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in Massachusetts
Massachusetts's fuel tax of 24.0 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $120/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with moderate freight volume, MA offers solid margin potential.
Top Intermodal Lanes from Massachusetts
Intermodal Earnings — Massachusetts vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (MA) | $2.69 | $22,865 | 24.0c |
| Connecticut (CT) | $2.40 | $20,400 | 25.0c |
| Delaware (DE) | $2.51 | $21,335 | 22.0c |
| Maine (ME) | $2.43 | $20,655 | 30.0c |
| Maryland (MD) | $2.70 | $22,950 | 27.1c |
Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these intermodal numbers in Massachusetts?
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