Lincoln, NE
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Lincoln.
Metro area
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.39 |
| Reefer | $2.76 |
| Flatbed | $2.97 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-80I-180US-77US-34US-6N-2
Top Industries
State Government
Higher Education
Manufacturing
Insurance/Finance
Major Distribution Centers
Amazon LNK1 (nearby)
B&R Stores distribution
State surplus warehouse
Top Shippers
S
State of NebraskaU
University of NebraskaK
Kawasaki MotorsA
Ameritas Life PartnersNearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-80
Truck Stops
Sapp Bros. (I-80 Exit 399)
Pilot Travel Center (I-80 Exit 401)
Bosselman (I-80 Exit 388)
Challenges
- I-80 corridor through Lincoln has increasing congestion.
- Husker game days create massive traffic surges (90,000+ fans).
- Winter blizzards can close I-80 for hours or days.
- Limited north-south interstate access.
Opportunities
- Central location provides access to loads heading in every direction
- Massive intermodal and rail hub infrastructure in Chicago area
- Strong agricultural freight during harvest season
- Lower cost of living and operating costs improve net margins
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Harvest season (August-November) generates enormous grain and produce volume. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Winter weather (November-March) causes delays but also rate spikes. Spring flooding can disrupt river-adjacent routes.
Trucking in Lincoln — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Lincoln: Dry Van $2.39, Reefer $2.76, Flatbed $2.97. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Lincoln is rated "fair." Popular stops include Sapp Bros. (I-80 Exit 399), Pilot Travel Center (I-80 Exit 401), Bosselman (I-80 Exit 388). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Lincoln freight market include State of Nebraska, University of Nebraska, Kawasaki Motors, Ameritas Life Partners. Key industries driving freight demand are state government, higher education, manufacturing.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Lincoln include: I-80 corridor through Lincoln has increasing congestion.; Husker game days create massive traffic surges (90,000+ fans).; Winter blizzards can close I-80 for hours or days.. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.