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USA Trucker Choice

Trucking in Minnesota

Owner-operator guide for Minnesota (MN) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the St. Paul state.

Quick Stats

Freight Volume

moderate

O-O Friendly

7/10

Fuel Tax

28.5 c/gal

Parking

moderate

Average Rates Per Mile

EquipmentRate/Mile
Dry Van$2.40
Reefer$2.75
Flatbed$2.95

Key Highways

I-94I-35I-90I-494I-694

These corridors connect Minnesota's major freight cities: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.

Top Industries

1Agriculture
2Mining (iron ore)
3Medical devices
4Food processing
5Retail (Target HQ)

Top Shippers

Target (multiple DCs)

3M

General Mills

Cargill

Best Buy DC

UnitedHealth Group

Trucking Regulations

  • Extreme cold diesel gelling — use winter blend
  • Minneapolis I-94/I-35W interchange worst in state
  • Duluth seasonal iron ore loads
  • No-idle laws in Minneapolis — APU recommended

Toll Roads & Winter Conditions

Toll Information

No toll roads

Winter Conditions

Extreme cold (-30F possible); blizzards; I-35 closures

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Minnesota

In Minnesota, dry van rates average $2.40/mile, reefer rates average $2.75/mile, and flatbed rates average $2.95/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Minnesota scores 7/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has moderate freight volume with moderate truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Agriculture, Mining (iron ore), Medical devices.
Key trucking regulations in Minnesota include: Extreme cold diesel gelling — use winter blend. Minneapolis I-94/I-35W interchange worst in state. Duluth seasonal iron ore loads. No-idle laws in Minneapolis — APU recommended. The state fuel tax rate is 28.5 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Minnesota are I-94, I-35, I-90, I-494, I-694. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester. No toll roads.