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Intermodal Earnings in Virginia

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

Intermodal Earnings Overview — Virginia

Rate Per Mile

$2.12

+1.0% vs national

Est. Gross Monthly

$18,020

+1.0% vs national

Est. Net Monthly

$9,985

After COL-adjusted expenses

Virginia vs National Average

MetricVirginiaNational AvgDiff
Rate/Mile$2.12$2.10+1.0%
Gross Monthly$18,020$17,850+1.0%
Est. Net Monthly$9,985$11,603-13.9%
Cost of Living112 (Above Average)100 (Baseline)+12%
Fuel Tax28.7c/gal~32c/galBelow avg

Cost of Living Impact in Virginia

COL Index: 112Above Average cost of living

Virginia has a roughly average cost of living (index 112). Intermodal rates of $2.12/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making VA a balanced market for intermodal owner-operators.

Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown

CategoryEst. Monthly% of Gross
Fuel$3,22917.9%
Insurance$7214.0%
Truck Payment / Lease$1,80010.0%
Maintenance & Repairs$7214.0%
Tires$3001.7%
Permits & Licenses$1680.9%
Food & Living$8965.0%
Phone / Software$2001.1%
Total Expenses$8,03544.6%
Net Take-Home$9,98555.4%

Expenses adjusted for Virginia's cost of living index (112). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.

Fuel Cost Impact in Virginia

28.7c/gal fuel tax

Virginia's fuel tax of 28.7 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $50/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with very high freight volume, VA offers solid margin potential.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Virginia

1Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC
2Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN
3Savannah GA → Memphis TN
4Miami FL → Atlanta GA

Intermodal Earnings — Virginia vs Nearby States

StateRate/MileGross/MoFuel Tax
Virginia (VA)$2.12$18,02028.7c
Alabama (AL)$2.07$17,59529.2c
Arkansas (AR)$2.14$18,19024.8c
Florida (FL)$2.33$19,80536.525c
Georgia (GA)$2.22$18,87031.2c

Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Virginia

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 Virginia — FAQ

Based on our rate engine, intermodal owner-operators in Virginia can expect approximately $2.12/mile, translating to ~$18,020 gross monthly. After estimated expenses of ~$8,035/month, net take-home is approximately $9,985/month. Actual earnings vary by lanes, experience, and negotiation skills.
Our model puts Virginia at $2.12/mile for intermodal, against a baseline of $2.10/mile for that equipment class. The state's cost of living index is 112 (Above Average), and the fuel tax is 28.7c/gal. With very high freight volume and an owner-operator friendliness score of 6/10, VA is a decent market for intermodal carriers.
The top expenses for intermodal operators in Virginia are: fuel (~$3,229/mo), truck payment (~$1,800/mo), insurance (~$721/mo), and maintenance (~$721/mo). Virginia's cost of living (above average) affects food, lodging, and living expenses. Total estimated monthly expenses: ~$8,035.
Top intermodal freight lanes in the Southeast region include: Atlanta GA → Charlotte NC; Jacksonville FL → Nashville TN; Savannah GA → Memphis TN; Miami FL → Atlanta GA. Virginia's key freight corridors run along I-95 and I-64, connecting Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond. Securing consistent round-trip loads minimizes deadhead and maximizes net earnings.
Virginia's fuel tax is 28.7 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 ~$430/month in state fuel tax alone.

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

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