Trucking in Montana
Owner-operator guide for Montana (MT) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Helena state.
Quick Stats
Freight Volume
lowO-O Friendly
7/10
Fuel Tax
27.75 c/gal
Parking
limitedAverage Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.50 |
| Reefer | $2.85 |
| Flatbed | $3.15 |
Key Highways
I-90I-15I-94US-93US-2
These corridors connect Montana's major freight cities: Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.
Top Industries
1Agriculture
2Oil (Bakken)
3Mining
4Timber
5Tourism
Top Shippers
CHS Inc (grain)
ExxonMobil (Billings refinery)
Knife River
Stillwater Mining
Trucking Regulations
- Long distances between services
- Bakken oil field loads pay premium
- No sales tax
- Winter driving skills mandatory Oct-Apr
Toll Roads & Winter Conditions
Toll Information
No toll roads
Winter Conditions
Severe winters; mountain passes dangerous; I-90 closures
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Montana
In Montana, 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.
Montana scores 7/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has low freight volume with limited truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Agriculture, Oil (Bakken), Mining.
Key trucking regulations in Montana include: Long distances between services. Bakken oil field loads pay premium. No sales tax. Winter driving skills mandatory Oct-Apr. The state fuel tax rate is 27.75 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Montana are I-90, I-15, I-94, US-93, US-2. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman. No toll roads.