Minneapolis, MN
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Minneapolis.
#27
Freight Rank
5,134
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
Midwest
Region
Who Operates Out of Minneapolis
5,134 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Minneapolis. 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.
2,990
Owner-operators (1 truck)
1,197
Small fleets (2-5)
301
Mid fleets (6-20)
95
Large fleets (20+)
58% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 193 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 | $2.25 |
| Reefer | $2.70 |
| Flatbed | $2.85 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- Brutal winter weather — sub-zero temps, heavy snow, and ice from November through March
- I-35W/I-94 interchange (the "Lowry Tunnel") is a major bottleneck
- Shorter daylight hours in winter limit productive driving time
- Northern location means longer transit times to most US destinations
Opportunities
- Target HQ — one of the largest retailers in the US ships from here constantly
- General Mills, Hormel, and Land O'Lakes create a food manufacturing freight corridor
- Medical device corridor (Medtronic in nearby Fridley, Boston Scientific) provides high-value freight
- Agricultural heartland — grain, sugar beets, and livestock generate seasonal volume
Seasonal Freight Patterns
Grain harvest (September-November) creates massive outbound freight. Target holiday shipments peak September through December. Winter storm season (November-March) causes disruptions and rate spikes. Spring planting (April-May) brings seed and equipment freight. Summer is prime construction season.
Trucking in Minneapolis — FAQ
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