Intermodal Trucking in Boulder, CO

Market rates, top lanes, earnings estimates, and freight insights for intermodal owner-operators in Boulder.

$2.22

Rate / Mile

$18,870

Est. Gross / Month

$12,266

Est. Net / Month

Mountain West

Market Region

About Intermodal Trucking

Intermodal drayage involves hauling containers between rail yards, ports, and distribution centers. Short-haul but high-frequency work, concentrated around major rail hubs and port cities.

Intermodal Market in the Mountain West

Mountain West dry van operations face unique challenges from long distances between freight hubs and high deadhead percentages. Denver and Salt Lake City are the primary load origins, with Phoenix adding significant volume in the south. Carriers who can secure round-trip freight between these hubs perform well, but one-way loads into rural areas often require repositioning. The I-70 and I-80 corridors are critical arteries.

Top Intermodal Lanes from Boulder

Denver CO → Salt Lake City UT

Phoenix AZ → Albuquerque NM

Boise ID → Salt Lake City UT

Las Vegas NV → Denver CO

Why Boulder for Intermodal

Key Industries

Natural foods and beverages
Technology and software
Federal research
Renewable energy

Key Highways

US-36SH-93SH-119 (Diagonal Highway)SH-7SH-157 (Foothills Parkway)

Top Shippers

Celestial Seasonings
Boulder Brands
Ball Corporation (nearby)
NIST/NOAA

Distribution Centers Near Boulder

Celestial Seasonings distribution

Boulder Commerce Park

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Intermodal Trucking in Boulder — FAQ

The estimated intermodal rate in Boulder is $2.22 per loaded mile. This reflects the Mountain West regional market, local demand, and seasonal conditions. Actual rates vary by lane, broker, and load specifics.

Based on current market estimates, a intermodal owner-operator based in Boulder can expect approximately $18,870 gross monthly revenue and around $12,266 net after typical expenses (fuel, insurance, maintenance). Actual earnings depend on miles driven, load selection, and operating efficiency.

Top intermodal lanes from the Boulder market include: Denver CO → Salt Lake City UT, Phoenix AZ → Albuquerque NM, Boise ID → Salt Lake City UT, Las Vegas NV → Denver CO. These lanes reflect the Mountain West freight patterns and may vary by season.

Boulder is located in the Mountain West freight region with key industries including natural foods and beverages, technology and software, federal research. Access to US-36, SH-93, SH-119 (Diagonal Highway) provides strong connectivity. Rates are competitive with the national average.

Key highways for intermodal freight in Boulder include US-36, SH-93, SH-119 (Diagonal Highway), SH-7, SH-157 (Foothills Parkway). These corridors connect to major distribution centers and freight lanes across the Mountain West region.