Intermodal Earnings in Montana
How much can intermodal owner-operators earn in Montana (MT)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Mountain West region.
Intermodal Earnings Overview — Montana
Rate Per Mile
$2.30
+9.5% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$19,550
+9.5% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$11,608
After COL-adjusted expenses
Montana vs National Average
| Metric | Montana | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.30 | $2.10 | +9.5% |
| Gross Monthly | $19,550 | $17,850 | +9.5% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $11,608 | $11,603 | +0.0% |
| Cost of Living | 100 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | +0% |
| Fuel Tax | 27.75c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in Montana
Montana has a roughly average cost of living (index 100). Intermodal rates of $2.30/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making MT a balanced market for intermodal owner-operators.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $3,128 | 16.0% |
| Insurance | $782 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 9.2% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $782 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.5% |
| Permits & Licenses | $150 | 0.8% |
| Food & Living | $800 | 4.1% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 1.0% |
| Total Expenses | $7,942 | 40.6% |
| Net Take-Home | $11,608 | 59.4% |
Expenses adjusted for Montana's cost of living index (100). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in Montana
Montana's fuel tax of 27.75 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $64/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with low freight volume, MT offers solid margin potential.
Top Intermodal Lanes from Montana
Intermodal Earnings — Montana vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (MT) | $2.30 | $19,550 | 27.75c |
| Colorado (CO) | $2.40 | $20,400 | 22.0c |
| Idaho (ID) | $2.30 | $19,550 | 33.0c |
| Utah (UT) | $2.38 | $20,230 | 31.9c |
| Wyoming (WY) | $2.17 | $18,445 | 24.0c |
Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Montana
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 Montana — FAQ
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