Trucking in Vermont

In Vermont, dry van rates average $2.60/mile, reefer rates average $2.95/mile, and flatbed rates average $3.15/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.

Vermont scores 6/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has low freight volume with limited truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Dairy farming, Tourism, Maple syrup.

Key trucking regulations in Vermont include: Many roads cannot handle 53ft trailers. Lowest fuel tax in Northeast. Dairy loads year-round but small volumes. Mountain grades on I-89. The state fuel tax rate is 12.1 cents per gallon.

The major freight highways in Vermont are I-89, I-91, US-7, US-2. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Barre. No toll roads.

Truck driver earnings in Vermont vary by equipment type and experience. Based on current Vermont freight rates, a dry van owner-operator running 120,000 miles/year can expect to gross $265,000-$343,000 annually. After expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance), net take-home typically ranges from $80,000-$154,000. Reefer and flatbed operators often earn more — $2.95/mile and $3.15/mile respectively. Company drivers in Vermont generally earn $55,000-$75,000 depending on the carrier and route type.

The primary freight corridors in Vermont run along I-89, I-91, US-7, plus US-2. These routes connect major freight hubs like Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland and serve the state's top industries: Dairy farming, Tourism, Maple syrup. Major shippers along these corridors include Ben and Jerrys (Waterbury) and Keurig Dr Pepper. Freight volume on Vermont corridors is rated low, making it important to pre-book loads to avoid deadhead miles.

Standard operations in Vermont require a valid USDOT number, MC authority (for interstate), and VT base plates or IRP registration. For oversize/overweight loads, Vermont requires permits — contact the Vermont DOT for permit details. Standard FMCSA hazmat endorsements apply for dangerous goods. The state motor fuel excise tax is roughly 12.1 cents/gallon; interstate carriers report fuel tax through IFTA, using the official quarterly IFTA rate matrix.

Major shippers and carriers operating in Vermont include Ben and Jerrys (Waterbury), Keurig Dr Pepper, GlobalFoundries, Cabot Creamery. These companies generate consistent freight across the state's top industries: Dairy farming, Tourism, Maple syrup, Manufacturing. For owner-operators, Vermont's low freight volume means building direct shipper relationships is key to staying loaded. Key freight cities like Burlington and South Burlington are good places to establish regular lanes.

Compared to nearby states like Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Vermont holds its own with a 6/10 owner-operator friendliness score. Vermont has low freight volume and a fuel tax of 12.1 cents/gallon. Connecticut has a fuel tax of 25.0 cents/gallon for comparison. Factors like limited truck parking and seasonal weather challenges also affect profitability.

Vermont's state motor fuel excise tax is around 12.1 cents per gallon, on top of the federal 24.4 cents/gallon on diesel. This is below the national average, giving truckers a fuel cost advantage. Major truck stops along I-89 and I-91 offer competitive diesel pricing. For a truck averaging 6.5 MPG over 10,000 miles/month, monthly fuel expense in Vermont varies based on current pump prices. IFTA-registered carriers file quarterly to reconcile fuel taxes across states — use the official IFTA, Inc. quarterly tax rate matrix for filing figures rather than the approximate rate above, since diesel and gasoline are taxed at different rates in many states and the rates change quarterly. No toll roads.