Trucking in Kentucky
Owner-operator guide for Kentucky (KY) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Frankfort state.
Quick Stats
Freight Volume
very highO-O Friendly
7/10
Fuel Tax
24.6 c/gal
Parking
moderateAverage Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.35 |
| Reefer | $2.65 |
| Flatbed | $2.90 |
Key Highways
I-65I-71I-75I-64I-24
These corridors connect Kentucky's major freight cities: Louisville, Lexington, Covington, Bowling Green. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.
Top Industries
1Automotive
2Bourbon distilling
3Coal
4Horse industry
5Logistics (UPS Worldport)
Top Shippers
UPS Worldport (Louisville)
Toyota (Georgetown)
Ford (Louisville)
Amazon SDF1-SDF9
Jim Beam
Trucking Regulations
- KYU weight-distance tax — unique to Kentucky
- Louisville UPS Worldport makes it shipping capital
- Bridge tolls on I-65 Louisville — RiverLink
- Eastern KY mountain roads — slow and winding
Toll Roads & Winter Conditions
Toll Information
Bridge tolls Louisville area (RiverLink)
Winter Conditions
Icy mountain roads in eastern KY; Ohio River fog
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Kentucky
In Kentucky, dry van rates average $2.35/mile, reefer rates average $2.65/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.90/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Kentucky scores 7/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has very high freight volume with moderate truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Automotive, Bourbon distilling, Coal.
Key trucking regulations in Kentucky include: KYU weight-distance tax — unique to Kentucky. Louisville UPS Worldport makes it shipping capital. Bridge tolls on I-65 Louisville — RiverLink. Eastern KY mountain roads — slow and winding. The state fuel tax rate is 24.6 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Kentucky are I-65, I-71, I-75, I-64, I-24. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Louisville, Lexington, Covington, Bowling Green. Bridge tolls Louisville area (RiverLink).