Kansas City, MO
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Kansas City.
#9
Freight Rank
2,365
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Who Operates Out of Kansas City
2,365 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Kansas City. Here is how that base breaks down by fleet size — useful for judging whether you would be competing against owner-operators or against fleets with dedicated freight locked up.
1,138
Owner-operators (1 truck)
614
Small fleets (2-5)
205
Mid fleets (6-20)
85
Large fleets (20+)
48% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 269 are registered to haul hazardous materials.
Source: FMCSA Motor Carrier Census (active carriers, US physical addresses), retrieved 2026-07-18.
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.20 |
| Reefer | $2.65 |
| Flatbed | $2.85 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- I-70 and I-35 junction creates a complicated interchange system
- State line between MO and KS complicates tax reporting
- Tornado Alley location means severe weather disruptions spring through summer
- Winter ice storms shut down I-70 and I-35 with little warning
Opportunities
- Geographic center of the US — shortest average distance to any destination
- BNSF and UP intermodal terminals drive strong drayage demand
- Grain harvest season creates massive outbound agricultural freight
- Growing logistics park development along I-35 corridor
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Grain harvest (September-November) creates enormous outbound volume. Holiday greeting card shipments from Hallmark peak September through November. Beef processing runs year-round with grilling season (May-September) spikes. Severe weather season (April-June) can cause routing disruptions.
Trucking in Kansas City — FAQ
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