Colorado Springs, CO
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Colorado Springs.
Metro area
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Mountain West
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.56 |
| Reefer | $2.96 |
| Flatbed | $3.25 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-25US-24US-85/87SH-21 (Powers Blvd)SH-115
Top Industries
Military and defense
Technology and cybersecurity
Tourism
Healthcare
Major Distribution Centers
Amazon COS2 fulfillment center
FedEx Ground hub
Walmart Neighborhood Market DC
Top Shippers
U
US Military (Fort Carson)L
Lockheed MartinA
AmazonL
L3Harris TechnologiesNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-25
Truck Stops
Pilot Travel Center (I-25 Exit 132)
Love's #475 (I-25 Exit 135)
Challenges
- I-25 through Monument Hill is prone to winter closures and high winds.
- Elevation (6,035 ft) affects engine performance.
- Military base deliveries require advance scheduling and security clearance.
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 Colorado Springs — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Colorado Springs: Dry Van $2.56, Reefer $2.96, Flatbed $3.25. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Colorado Springs is rated "fair." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (I-25 Exit 132), Love's #475 (I-25 Exit 135). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Colorado Springs freight market include US Military (Fort Carson), Lockheed Martin, Amazon, L3Harris Technologies. Key industries driving freight demand are military and defense, technology and cybersecurity, tourism.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Colorado Springs include: I-25 through Monument Hill is prone to winter closures and high winds.; Elevation (6,035 ft) affects engine performance.; Military base deliveries require advance scheduling and security clearance.. However, opportunities include elevated rates compensate for longer distances and deadhead risk.