Intermodal Earnings in Texas
How much can intermodal owner-operators earn in Texas (TX)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the South Central region.
Intermodal Earnings Overview — Texas
Rate Per Mile
$2.40
+14.3% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$20,400
+14.3% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$12,548
After COL-adjusted expenses
Texas vs National Average
| Metric | Texas | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.40 | $2.10 | +14.3% |
| Gross Monthly | $20,400 | $17,850 | +14.3% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $12,548 | $11,603 | +8.1% |
| Cost of Living | 93 (Below Average) | 100 (Baseline) | -7% |
| Fuel Tax | 20.0c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in Texas
Texas's below-average cost of living (index 93) is a genuine advantage for intermodal owner-operators. Your $2.40/mile rate stretches further here — fuel, food, housing, and operating costs are all lower than the national baseline. This makes TX one of the better states for net take-home pay.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $3,036 | 14.9% |
| Insurance | $816 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 8.8% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $816 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.5% |
| Permits & Licenses | $140 | 0.7% |
| Food & Living | $744 | 3.6% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 1.0% |
| Total Expenses | $7,852 | 38.5% |
| Net Take-Home | $12,548 | 61.5% |
Expenses adjusted for Texas's cost of living index (93). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in Texas
Texas's fuel tax of 20.0 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $180/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with very high freight volume, TX offers solid margin potential.
Top Intermodal Lanes from Texas
Intermodal Earnings — Texas vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas (TX) | $2.40 | $20,400 | 20.0c |
| Arizona (AZ) | $2.37 | $20,145 | 26.0c |
| New Mexico (NM) | $2.29 | $19,465 | 18.875c |
| Oklahoma (OK) | $2.30 | $19,550 | 19.0c |
Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Texas
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 Texas — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these intermodal numbers in Texas?
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