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How much can reefer owner-operators earn in Montana (MT)? Estimated rates, gross and net monthly income, cost of living impact, fuel costs, and top lanes in the Mountain West region.
Rate Per Mile
$3.09
+10.4% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$27,810
+16.8% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$17,330
After COL-adjusted expenses
| Metric | Montana | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $3.09 | $2.80 | +10.4% |
| Gross Monthly | $27,810 | $23,800 | +16.8% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $17,330 | $15,470 | +12.0% |
| Cost of Living | 100 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | +0% |
| Fuel Tax | 27.75c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Montana has a roughly average cost of living (index 100). Reefer rates of $3.09/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making MT a balanced market for reefer owner-operators.
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $5,006 | 18.0% |
| Insurance | $1,112 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 6.5% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $1,112 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.1% |
| Permits & Licenses | $150 | 0.5% |
| Food & Living | $800 | 2.9% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 0.7% |
| Total Expenses | $10,480 | 37.7% |
| Net Take-Home | $17,330 | 62.3% |
Expenses adjusted for Montana's cost of living index (100). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Montana's fuel tax of 27.75 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving reefer carriers a fuel cost advantage. At 5-6 MPG, this saves approximately $64/month compared to higher-tax states. Combined with low freight volume, MT offers solid margin potential.
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana (MT) | $3.09 | $27,810 | 27.75c |
| Colorado (CO) | $3.21 | $28,890 | 22.0c |
| Idaho (ID) | $3.09 | $27,810 | 33.0c |
| Utah (UT) | $3.18 | $28,620 | 31.9c |
| Wyoming (WY) | $2.93 | $26,370 | 24.0c |
A good dispatch service can boost your per-mile rate by $0.15-$0.40 through better load negotiation, reduced deadhead, and detention pay recovery.