📦 Dry Van Owner-Operator Earnings

The national average for dry van owner-operators is roughly $198,000 gross annually. After operating expenses — fuel, insurance, truck payment, maintenance, and dispatch fees — most operators net between $55,000 and $78,000. Higher earners who run teams or stay consistently loaded above 2,800 miles per week can push net income above $85,000.

Dry van spot rates in 2026 average between $2.05 and $2.55 per mile depending on the lane and region. Northeast and West Coast corridors tend to pay the highest, while shorter Midwest runs often fall in the $2.00–$2.15 range. Contract rates are typically 10–15% lower than spot but offer consistency.

Dry van is generally considered the best entry point for new owner-operators. Loads are abundant year-round, there is no specialized equipment required beyond the trailer, and you can run in all weather conditions. The lower barrier to entry does mean more competition, so rates per mile tend to be lower than specialized freight like reefer or flatbed.

Fuel is the single largest expense at roughly 34% of total costs, followed by the truck payment (16–17%), insurance (13%), and maintenance (10%). Dispatch fees typically run 5–10% of gross revenue, and factoring costs add another 2–5% if you use a factoring company instead of waiting 30–60 days for broker payments.

Most profitable dry van operators aim for 2,500 to 3,000 miles per week. At an average all-in rate of $2.20/mi, that translates to $5,500–$6,600 weekly gross. Running under 2,000 miles per week usually means your fixed costs (insurance, truck payment, permits) eat into profit too heavily to make the operation sustainable.