Trucking in Colorado
Owner-operator guide for Colorado (CO) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Denver state.
Quick Stats
Freight Volume
moderateO-O Friendly
7/10
Fuel Tax
22.0 c/gal
Parking
limitedAverage Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.50 |
| Reefer | $2.85 |
| Flatbed | $3.15 |
Key Highways
I-25I-70I-76US-36US-285
These corridors connect Colorado's major freight cities: Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Pueblo. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.
Top Industries
1Aerospace
2Technology
3Agriculture
4Brewing
5Energy
Top Shippers
Amazon DEN2/DEN3
Coors Brewing (Golden)
Ball Corporation
Lockheed Martin
Walmart DC (Loveland)
Trucking Regulations
- Chain law on I-70 — $500+ fines
- Runaway truck ramps — no fine for using them
- Denver metro emissions requirements
- 85,000 lbs GVW on some designated highways
Toll Roads & Winter Conditions
Toll Information
E-470 toll road around Denver; Northwest Parkway
Winter Conditions
I-70 mountain passes close frequently; chain law enforced; blizzards common
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Colorado
In Colorado, dry van rates average $2.50/mile, reefer rates average $2.85/mile, and flatbed rates average $3.15/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Colorado scores 7/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has moderate freight volume with limited truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Aerospace, Technology, Agriculture.
Key trucking regulations in Colorado include: Chain law on I-70 — $500+ fines. Runaway truck ramps — no fine for using them. Denver metro emissions requirements. 85,000 lbs GVW on some designated highways. The state fuel tax rate is 22.0 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Colorado are I-25, I-70, I-76, US-36, US-285. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Pueblo. E-470 toll road around Denver; Northwest Parkway.