Manhattan, KS
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Manhattan.
Regional hub
Population
Fair
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Average Rates Per Mile
| Equipment Type | Rate / Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.50 |
| Reefer | $2.86 |
| Flatbed | $3.08 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
I-70US-24K-177K-18
Top Industries
Military/Defense
Higher Education
Agriculture/Ranching
Veterinary Science
Major Distribution Centers
Fort Riley supply depot
K-State receiving and distribution
Top Shippers
F
Fort Riley US ArmyK
Kansas State UniversityG
GTM SportswearC
Caterpillar (nearby)Nearby Ports
Nearest major port accessible via I-70
Truck Stops
Love's (I-70 at K-177)
Conoco (US-24 at Tuttle Creek Blvd)
Challenges
- Fort Riley deliveries require military base access credentials.
- Limited truck services between Manhattan and Salina on I-70.
- High winds across the open Flint Hills affect high-profile trailers.
- Cattle trucks share rural routes.
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 Manhattan — FAQ
Average rates per mile out of Manhattan: Dry Van $2.50, Reefer $2.86, Flatbed $3.08. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Manhattan is rated "fair." Popular stops include Love's (I-70 at K-177), Conoco (US-24 at Tuttle Creek Blvd). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Manhattan freight market include Fort Riley US Army, Kansas State University, GTM Sportswear, Caterpillar (nearby). Key industries driving freight demand are military/defense, higher education, agriculture/ranching.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Manhattan include: Fort Riley deliveries require military base access credentials.; Limited truck services between Manhattan and Salina on I-70.; High winds across the open Flint Hills affect high-profile trailers.. However, opportunities include central location provides access to loads heading in every direction.