Intermodal Earnings in North Dakota
How much can intermodal owner-operators earn in North Dakota (ND)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Midwest region.
Intermodal Earnings Overview — North Dakota
Rate Per Mile
$2.19
+4.3% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$18,615
+4.3% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$10,935
After COL-adjusted expenses
North Dakota vs National Average
| Metric | North Dakota | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.19 | $2.10 | +4.3% |
| Gross Monthly | $18,615 | $17,850 | +4.3% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $10,935 | $11,603 | -5.8% |
| Cost of Living | 99 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | -1% |
| Fuel Tax | 23.0c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in North Dakota
North Dakota's below-average cost of living (index 99) is a genuine advantage for intermodal owner-operators. Your $2.19/mile rate stretches further here — fuel, food, housing, and operating costs are all lower than the national baseline. This makes ND one of the better states for net take-home pay.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $2,949 | 15.8% |
| Insurance | $745 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 9.7% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $745 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.6% |
| Permits & Licenses | $149 | 0.8% |
| Food & Living | $792 | 4.3% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 1.1% |
| Total Expenses | $7,680 | 41.3% |
| Net Take-Home | $10,935 | 58.7% |
Expenses adjusted for North Dakota's cost of living index (99). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in North Dakota
North Dakota's fuel tax of 23.0 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $135/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with moderate freight volume, ND offers solid margin potential.
Top Intermodal Lanes from North Dakota
Intermodal Earnings — North Dakota vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota (ND) | $2.19 | $18,615 | 23.0c |
| Illinois (IL) | $2.41 | $20,485 | 46.7c |
| Indiana (IN) | $2.38 | $20,230 | 33.0c |
| Iowa (IA) | $2.18 | $18,530 | 30.0c |
| Kansas (KS) | $2.17 | $18,445 | 24.0c |
Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in North Dakota
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 North Dakota — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these intermodal numbers in North Dakota?
Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying intermodal lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.