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Intermodal Earnings in Utah

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

Intermodal Earnings Overview — Utah

Rate Per Mile

$2.38

+13.3% vs national

Est. Gross Monthly

$20,230

+13.3% vs national

Est. Net Monthly

$12,041

After COL-adjusted expenses

Utah vs National Average

MetricUtahNational AvgDiff
Rate/Mile$2.38$2.10+13.3%
Gross Monthly$20,230$17,850+13.3%
Est. Net Monthly$12,041$11,603+3.8%
Cost of Living102 (Average)100 (Baseline)+2%
Fuel Tax31.9c/gal~32c/galBelow avg

Cost of Living Impact in Utah

COL Index: 102Average cost of living

Utah has a roughly average cost of living (index 102). Intermodal rates of $2.38/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making UT a balanced market for intermodal owner-operators.

Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown

CategoryEst. Monthly% of Gross
Fuel$3,30216.3%
Insurance$8094.0%
Truck Payment / Lease$1,8008.9%
Maintenance & Repairs$8094.0%
Tires$3001.5%
Permits & Licenses$1530.8%
Food & Living$8164.0%
Phone / Software$2001.0%
Total Expenses$8,18940.5%
Net Take-Home$12,04159.5%

Expenses adjusted for Utah's cost of living index (102). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.

Fuel Cost Impact in Utah

31.9c/gal fuel tax

Utah's fuel tax of 31.9 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $2/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with moderate freight volume, UT offers solid margin potential.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Utah

1Denver CO → Salt Lake City UT
2Phoenix AZ → Albuquerque NM
3Boise ID → Salt Lake City UT
4Las Vegas NV → Denver CO

Intermodal Earnings — Utah vs Nearby States

StateRate/MileGross/MoFuel Tax
Utah (UT)$2.38$20,23031.9c
Colorado (CO)$2.40$20,40022.0c
Idaho (ID)$2.30$19,55033.0c
Montana (MT)$2.30$19,55027.75c
Wyoming (WY)$2.17$18,44524.0c

Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Utah

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 Utah — FAQ

Based on our rate engine, intermodal owner-operators in Utah can expect approximately $2.38/mile, translating to ~$20,230 gross monthly. After estimated expenses of ~$8,189/month, net take-home is approximately $12,041/month. Actual earnings vary by lanes, experience, and negotiation skills.
Our model puts Utah at $2.38/mile for intermodal, against a baseline of $2.10/mile for that equipment class. The state's cost of living index is 102 (Average), and the fuel tax is 31.9c/gal. With moderate freight volume and an owner-operator friendliness score of 7/10, UT is a strong market for intermodal carriers.
The top expenses for intermodal operators in Utah are: fuel (~$3,302/mo), truck payment (~$1,800/mo), insurance (~$809/mo), and maintenance (~$809/mo). Utah's cost of living (average) affects food, lodging, and living expenses. Total estimated monthly expenses: ~$8,189.
Top intermodal freight lanes in the Mountain West region include: Denver CO → Salt Lake City UT; Phoenix AZ → Albuquerque NM; Boise ID → Salt Lake City UT; Las Vegas NV → Denver CO. Utah's key freight corridors run along I-15 and I-80, connecting Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden. Securing consistent round-trip loads minimizes deadhead and maximizes net earnings.
Utah's fuel tax is 31.9 cents/gallon, which is near the national average of ~32c. For a intermodal averaging 5-6 MPG and running ~8,000 loaded miles/month, this translates to ~$479/month in state fuel tax alone.

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

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