Reefer Earnings in Wisconsin
How much can reefer 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.
Reefer Earnings Overview — Wisconsin
Rate Per Mile
$2.77
-1.1% vs national
Est. Gross Monthly
$24,930
+4.7% vs national
Est. Net Monthly
$15,199
After COL-adjusted expenses
Wisconsin vs National Average
| Metric | Wisconsin | National Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate/Mile | $2.77 | $2.80 | -1.1% |
| Gross Monthly | $24,930 | $23,800 | +4.7% |
| Est. Net Monthly | $15,199 | $15,470 | -1.8% |
| Cost of Living | 100 (Average) | 100 (Baseline) | +0% |
| Fuel Tax | 30.9c/gal | ~32c/gal | Below avg |
Cost of Living Impact in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a roughly average cost of living (index 100). Reefer rates of $2.77/mile translate well to real purchasing power. Operating expenses are in line with national norms, making WI a balanced market for reefer owner-operators.
Estimated Monthly Expense Breakdown
| Category | Est. Monthly | % of Gross |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | $4,487 | 18.0% |
| Insurance | $997 | 4.0% |
| Truck Payment / Lease | $1,800 | 7.2% |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $997 | 4.0% |
| Tires | $300 | 1.2% |
| Permits & Licenses | $150 | 0.6% |
| Food & Living | $800 | 3.2% |
| Phone / Software | $200 | 0.8% |
| Total Expenses | $9,731 | 39.0% |
| Net Take-Home | $15,199 | 61.0% |
Expenses adjusted for Wisconsin's cost of living index (100). Actual costs vary by individual circumstances.
Fuel Cost Impact in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's fuel tax of 30.9 cents/gallon is below the national average (~32c), giving reefer 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 Reefer Lanes from Wisconsin
Reefer Earnings — Wisconsin vs Nearby States
| State | Rate/Mile | Gross/Mo | Fuel Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin (WI) | $2.77 | $24,930 | 30.9c |
| Illinois (IL) | $3.11 | $27,990 | 46.7c |
| Indiana (IN) | $3.05 | $27,450 | 33.0c |
| Iowa (IA) | $2.80 | $25,200 | 30.0c |
| Kansas (KS) | $2.79 | $25,110 | 24.0c |
Maximize Your Reefer 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.
Reefer Earnings in Wisconsin — FAQ
Want to hit the top of these reefer numbers in Wisconsin?
Our dispatch team looks for the high-paying reefer lanes, negotiates your rates, and works to keep you loaded.