Intermodal Earnings in South Dakota
How much can intermodal owner-operators earn in South Dakota (SD)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Midwest region.
Intermodal Earnings Overview — South Dakota
Rate Per Mile
$2.20
+4.8% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$18,700
+4.8% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$10,962
After COL-adjusted expenses
South Dakota vs National Average
| Metric | South Dakota | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.20 | $2.10 | +4.8% |
| Gross Monthly | $18,700 | $17,850 | +4.8% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $10,962 | $11,603 | -5.5% |
| Cost of Living | 100 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | +0% |
| Fuel Tax | 28.0c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in South Dakota
South Dakota has a roughly average cost of living (index 100). Intermodal rates of $2.20/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making SD a balanced market for intermodal owner-operators.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $2,992 | 16.0% |
| Insurance | $748 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 9.6% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $748 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.6% |
| Permits & Licenses | $150 | 0.8% |
| Food & Living | $800 | 4.3% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 1.1% |
| Total Expenses | $7,738 | 41.4% |
| Net Take-Home | $10,962 | 58.6% |
Expenses adjusted for South Dakota's cost of living index (100). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in South Dakota
South Dakota's fuel tax of 28.0 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $60/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with low freight volume, SD offers solid margin potential.
Top Intermodal Lanes from South Dakota
Intermodal Earnings — South Dakota vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota (SD) | $2.20 | $18,700 | 28.0c |
| 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 South 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 South Dakota — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these intermodal numbers in South Dakota?
Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying intermodal lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.