Intermodal Earnings in Tennessee
How much can intermodal owner-operators earn in Tennessee (TN)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Southeast region.
Intermodal Earnings Overview — Tennessee
Rate Per Mile
$2.16
+2.9% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$18,360
+2.9% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$10,898
After COL-adjusted expenses
Tennessee vs National Average
| Metric | Tennessee | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.16 | $2.10 | +2.9% |
| Gross Monthly | $18,360 | $17,850 | +2.9% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $10,898 | $11,603 | -6.1% |
| Cost of Living | 95 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | -5% |
| Fuel Tax | 26.4c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in Tennessee
Tennessee's below-average cost of living (index 95) is a genuine advantage for intermodal owner-operators. Your $2.16/mile rate stretches further here — fuel, food, housing, and operating costs are all lower than the national baseline. This makes TN one of the better states for net take-home pay.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $2,791 | 15.2% |
| Insurance | $734 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 9.8% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $734 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.6% |
| Permits & Licenses | $143 | 0.8% |
| Food & Living | $760 | 4.1% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 1.1% |
| Total Expenses | $7,462 | 40.6% |
| Net Take-Home | $10,898 | 59.4% |
Expenses adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living index (95). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in Tennessee
Tennessee's fuel tax of 26.4 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $84/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with very high freight volume, TN offers solid margin potential.
Top Intermodal Lanes from Tennessee
Intermodal Earnings — Tennessee vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (TN) | $2.16 | $18,360 | 26.4c |
| Alabama (AL) | $2.07 | $17,595 | 29.2c |
| Arkansas (AR) | $2.14 | $18,190 | 24.8c |
| Florida (FL) | $2.33 | $19,805 | 36.525c |
| Georgia (GA) | $2.22 | $18,870 | 31.2c |
Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Tennessee
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 Tennessee — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these intermodal numbers in Tennessee?
Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying intermodal lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.