Modesto, CA
Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Modesto.
2,297
Carriers Based Here
Truck Parking
West Coast
Region
Who Operates Out of Modesto
2,297 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Modesto. 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.
1,392
Owner-operators (1 truck)
332
Small fleets (2-5)
88
Mid fleets (6-20)
34
Large fleets (20+)
61% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 83 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 | $2.65 |
| Reefer | $3.10 |
| Flatbed | $3.28 |
Rates by Equipment Type
Key Highways
Top Industries
Major Distribution Centers
Top Shippers
Nearby Ports
Truck Stops
Challenges
- CA-99 congestion and limited capacity through Modesto, dense tule fog November-February with near-zero visibility, extreme summer heat (105°F+), seasonal harvest surge demand exceeding truck capacity, and CARB compliance requirements for all trucks.
- California regulations (CARB, AB5) add compliance costs for carriers
- Severe congestion in LA, San Francisco, and Seattle metro areas
- Mountain passes require chain equipment in winter months
Opportunities
- Port-driven import freight creates consistent outbound load demand
- Produce freight runs nearly year-round from California's Central Valley
- Premium rates compensate for higher operating costs
- Tech sector growth fuels e-commerce distribution expansion
Seasonal Freight Patterns
California produce runs nearly year-round, with peak harvest June through October. Holiday retail surge is strong September through December. Wildfire season (July-October) can disrupt routes. Winter mountain pass closures affect I-80 and I-70 corridors.
Trucking in Modesto — FAQ
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