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Intermodal Earnings in Nebraska

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

Intermodal Earnings Overview — Nebraska

Rate Per Mile

$2.33

+11.0% vs national

Est. Gross Monthly

$19,805

+11.0% vs national

Est. Net Monthly

$11,843

After COL-adjusted expenses

Nebraska vs National Average

MetricNebraskaNational AvgDiff
Rate/Mile$2.33$2.10+11.0%
Gross Monthly$19,805$17,850+11.0%
Est. Net Monthly$11,843$11,603+2.1%
Cost of Living99 (Average)100 (Baseline)-1%
Fuel Tax24.8c/gal~32c/galBelow avg

Cost of Living Impact in Nebraska

COL Index: 99Average cost of living

Nebraska's below-average cost of living (index 99) is a genuine advantage for intermodal owner-operators. Your $2.33/mile rate stretches further here — fuel, food, housing, and operating costs are all lower than the national baseline. This makes NE one of the better states for net take-home pay.

Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown

CategoryEst. Monthly% of Gross
Fuel$3,13715.8%
Insurance$7924.0%
Truck Payment / Lease$1,8009.1%
Maintenance & Repairs$7924.0%
Tires$3001.5%
Permits & Licenses$1490.8%
Food & Living$7924.0%
Phone / Software$2001.0%
Total Expenses$7,96240.2%
Net Take-Home$11,84359.8%

Expenses adjusted for Nebraska's cost of living index (99). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.

Fuel Cost Impact in Nebraska

24.8c/gal fuel tax

Nebraska's fuel tax of 24.8 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $108/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with moderate freight volume, NE offers solid margin potential.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Nebraska

1Chicago IL → Detroit MI
2Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH
3Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO
4St. Louis MO → Nashville TN

Intermodal Earnings — Nebraska vs Nearby States

StateRate/MileGross/MoFuel Tax
Nebraska (NE)$2.33$19,80524.8c
Illinois (IL)$2.41$20,48546.7c
Indiana (IN)$2.38$20,23033.0c
Iowa (IA)$2.18$18,53030.0c
Kansas (KS)$2.17$18,44524.0c

Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Nebraska

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 Nebraska — FAQ

Based on our rate engine, intermodal owner-operators in Nebraska can expect approximately $2.33/mile, translating to ~$19,805 gross monthly. After estimated expenses of ~$7,962/month, net take-home is approximately $11,843/month. Actual earnings vary by lanes, experience, and negotiation skills.
Our model puts Nebraska at $2.33/mile for intermodal, against a baseline of $2.10/mile for that equipment class. The state's cost of living index is 99 (Average), and the fuel tax is 24.8c/gal. With moderate freight volume and an owner-operator friendliness score of 8/10, NE is a strong market for intermodal carriers.
The top expenses for intermodal operators in Nebraska are: fuel (~$3,137/mo), truck payment (~$1,800/mo), insurance (~$792/mo), and maintenance (~$792/mo). Nebraska's cost of living (average) affects food, lodging, and living expenses. Total estimated monthly expenses: ~$7,962.
Top intermodal freight lanes in the Midwest region include: Chicago IL → Detroit MI; Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH; Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO; St. Louis MO → Nashville TN. Nebraska's key freight corridors run along I-80 and I-76, connecting Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island. Securing consistent round-trip loads minimizes deadhead and maximizes net earnings.
Nebraska's fuel tax is 24.8 cents/gallon, which is below the national average of ~32c. For a intermodal averaging 5-6 MPG and running ~8,000 loaded miles/month, this translates to ~$372/month in state fuel tax alone.

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

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