Billings, MT
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Billings.
Metro area
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Mountain West
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.68 |
| Reefer | $3.09 |
| Flatbed | $3.40 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-90I-94US-87US-312
Top Industries
Petroleum refining
Agriculture
Healthcare
Oil & Gas services
Major Distribution Centers
Sysco Montana
McLane Foodservice
Amazon delivery station
Top Shippers
C
CHS RefineryE
ExxonMobil RefineryS
Stillwater MiningB
Billings ClinicNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-90
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (I-90 Exit 446)
Flying J (I-90 Exit 450)
Town Pump (I-90 Exit 443)
Challenges
- Extreme winter weather with blizzards and wind chill below -30°F.
- Long distances between services in all directions.
- High winds on I-94 east can topple trailers.
- Limited driver amenities in eastern Montana.
Opportunities
- Elevated rates compensate for longer distances and deadhead risk
- Growing population centers (Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City) drive demand
- Energy sector creates premium-rate specialized freight opportunities
- Less carrier competition than coastal and Midwest markets
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Ski resort supply season runs October through March. Construction peaks April through October. Mining and energy freight is relatively steady year-round. Winter mountain pass closures can create significant delays and rate spikes.
Trucking in Billings — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Billings: Dry Van $2.68, Reefer $3.09, Flatbed $3.40. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Billings is rated "fair." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (I-90 Exit 446), Flying J (I-90 Exit 450), Town Pump (I-90 Exit 443). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Billings freight market include CHS Refinery, ExxonMobil Refinery, Stillwater Mining, Billings Clinic. Key industries driving freight demand are petroleum refining, agriculture, healthcare.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Billings include: Extreme winter weather with blizzards and wind chill below -30°F.; Long distances between services in all directions.; High winds on I-94 east can topple trailers.. However, opportunities include elevated rates compensate for longer distances and deadhead risk.