Skip to main content

Intermodal Earnings in Wisconsin

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

Intermodal Earnings Overview — Wisconsin

Rate Per Mile

$2.15

+2.4% vs national

Est. Gross Monthly

$18,275

+2.4% vs national

Est. Net Monthly

$10,639

After COL-adjusted expenses

Wisconsin vs National Average

MetricWisconsinNational AvgDiff
Rate/Mile$2.15$2.10+2.4%
Gross Monthly$18,275$17,850+2.4%
Est. Net Monthly$10,639$11,603-8.3%
Cost of Living100 (Average)100 (Baseline)+0%
Fuel Tax30.9c/gal~32c/galBelow avg

Cost of Living Impact in Wisconsin

COL Index: 100Average cost of living

Wisconsin has a roughly average cost of living (index 100). Intermodal rates of $2.15/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making WI a balanced market for intermodal owner-operators.

Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown

CategoryEst. Monthly% of Gross
Fuel$2,92416.0%
Insurance$7314.0%
Truck Payment / Lease$1,8009.8%
Maintenance & Repairs$7314.0%
Tires$3001.6%
Permits & Licenses$1500.8%
Food & Living$8004.4%
Phone / Software$2001.1%
Total Expenses$7,63641.8%
Net Take-Home$10,63958.2%

Expenses adjusted for Wisconsin's cost of living index (100). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.

Fuel Cost Impact in Wisconsin

30.9c/gal fuel tax

Wisconsin's fuel tax of 30.9 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving intermodal carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $17/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with high freight volume, WI offers solid margin potential.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Wisconsin

1Chicago IL → Detroit MI
2Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH
3Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO
4St. Louis MO → Nashville TN

Intermodal Earnings — Wisconsin vs Nearby States

StateRate/MileGross/MoFuel Tax
Wisconsin (WI)$2.15$18,27530.9c
Illinois (IL)$2.41$20,48546.7c
Indiana (IN)$2.38$20,23033.0c
Iowa (IA)$2.18$18,53030.0c
Kansas (KS)$2.17$18,44524.0c

Maximize Your Intermodal Earnings in Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin — FAQ

Based on our rate engine, intermodal owner-operators in Wisconsin can expect approximately $2.15/mile, translating to ~$18,275 gross monthly. After estimated expenses of ~$7,636/month, net take-home is approximately $10,639/month. Actual earnings vary by lanes, experience, and negotiation skills.
Our model puts Wisconsin at $2.15/mile for intermodal, against a baseline of $2.10/mile for that equipment class. The state's cost of living index is 100 (Average), and the fuel tax is 30.9c/gal. With high freight volume and an owner-operator friendliness score of 7/10, WI is a strong market for intermodal carriers.
The top expenses for intermodal operators in Wisconsin are: fuel (~$2,924/mo), truck payment (~$1,800/mo), insurance (~$731/mo), and maintenance (~$731/mo). Wisconsin's cost of living (average) affects food, lodging, and living expenses. Total estimated monthly expenses: ~$7,636.
Top intermodal freight lanes in the Midwest region include: Chicago IL → Detroit MI; Indianapolis IN → Columbus OH; Minneapolis MN → Kansas City MO; St. Louis MO → Nashville TN. Wisconsin's key freight corridors run along I-94 and I-43, connecting Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay. Securing consistent round-trip loads minimizes deadhead and maximizes net earnings.
Wisconsin's fuel tax is 30.9 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 ~$464/month in state fuel tax alone.

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

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