Skip to main content

Power Only Earnings in Virginia

How much can power only 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.

Power Only Earnings Overview — Virginia

Rate Per Mile

$1.72

+1.2% vs national

Est. Gross Monthly

$17,200

+19.0% vs national

Est. Net Monthly

$9,378

After COL-adjusted expenses

Virginia vs National Average

MetricVirginiaNational AvgDiff
Rate/Mile$1.72$1.70+1.2%
Gross Monthly$17,200$14,450+19.0%
Est. Net Monthly$9,378$9,393-0.2%
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). Power Only rates of $1.72/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making VA a balanced market for power only owner-operators.

Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown

CategoryEst. Monthly% of Gross
Fuel$3,08217.9%
Insurance$6884.0%
Truck Payment / Lease$1,80010.5%
Maintenance & Repairs$6884.0%
Tires$3001.7%
Permits & Licenses$1681.0%
Food & Living$8965.2%
Phone / Software$2001.2%
Total Expenses$7,82245.5%
Net Take-Home$9,37854.5%

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 power only 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 Power Only Lanes from Virginia

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

Power Only Earnings — Virginia vs Nearby States

StateRate/MileGross/MoFuel Tax
Virginia (VA)$1.72$17,20028.7c
Alabama (AL)$1.66$16,60029.2c
Arkansas (AR)$1.74$17,40024.8c
Florida (FL)$1.88$18,80036.525c
Georgia (GA)$1.78$17,80031.2c

Maximize Your Power Only 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.

Power Only Earnings in Virginia — FAQ

Based on our rate engine, power only owner-operators in Virginia can expect approximately $1.72/mile, translating to ~$17,200 gross monthly. After estimated expenses of ~$7,822/month, net take-home is approximately $9,378/month. Actual earnings vary by lanes, experience, and negotiation skills.
Our model puts Virginia at $1.72/mile for power only, against a baseline of $1.70/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 power only carriers.
The top expenses for power only operators in Virginia are: fuel (~$3,082/mo), truck payment (~$1,800/mo), insurance (~$688/mo), and maintenance (~$688/mo). Virginia's cost of living (above average) affects food, lodging, and living expenses. Total estimated monthly expenses: ~$7,822.
Top power only 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 power only 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 power only numbers in Virginia?

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