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Owensboro, KY

Freight hub guide — rates, shippers, parking, and opportunities for owner-operators in Owensboro.

636

Carriers Based Here

Fair

Truck Parking

Southeast

Region

Who Operates Out of Owensboro

636 active motor carriers are registered with a physical address in Owensboro. 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.

297

Owner-operators (1 truck)

223

Small fleets (2-5)

66

Mid fleets (6-20)

16

Large fleets (20+)

47% of carriers based here run a single truck, and 46 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 TypeRate / Mile
Dry Van$2.39
Reefer$2.82
Flatbed$2.93

Rates by Equipment Type

Key Highways

US-60US-431Western Kentucky ParkwayKY-54US-231

Top Industries

Manufacturing
Agriculture
Healthcare
River transport
Energy

Major Distribution Centers

Owensboro Grain complex
Kennametal distribution
Associated Wholesale Grocers

Top Shippers

K
Kennametal
O
Owensboro Grain
U
US Bank Home Mortgage
S
Swedish Match

Nearby Ports

Nearest major port accessible via US-60

Truck Stops

Pilot Travel Center (US-60 West)
Marathon (US-60 & US-231)

Challenges

  • No direct interstate access, Ohio River flooding risk, and limited truck parking options in the city.
  • Hurricane season (June-November) poses risk to operations and cargo
  • Summer heat and humidity require attention to temperature-sensitive freight
  • Rapid population growth increases congestion on key corridors

Opportunities

  • Rapidly growing population drives sustained freight demand
  • Automotive manufacturing belt creates steady parts and finished vehicle freight
  • Port of Savannah and Port of Charleston generate strong import volumes
  • Year-round operations without severe winter weather interruptions

Seasonal Freight Patterns

Florida produce season (October-May) drives strong northbound reefer demand. Hurricane season (June-November) creates both risks and emergency freight surges. Holiday retail peaks September through December. Year-round construction keeps flatbed demand steady.

Trucking in Owensboro — FAQ

Average rates per mile out of Owensboro: Dry Van $2.39, Reefer $2.82, Flatbed $2.93. Rates vary by season, lane, and current market conditions.
Truck parking in Owensboro is rated "fair." Popular stops include Pilot Travel Center (US-60 West), Marathon (US-60 & US-231). Parking is manageable but can get tight during peak hours and weekends.
Top shippers operating in the Owensboro freight market include Kennametal, Owensboro Grain, US Bank Home Mortgage, Swedish Match. Key industries driving freight demand are manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare.
The biggest challenges for truckers in Owensboro include: No direct interstate access, Ohio River flooding risk, and limited truck parking options in the city.; Hurricane season (June-November) poses risk to operations and cargo; Summer heat and humidity require attention to temperature-sensitive freight. However, opportunities include rapidly growing population drives sustained freight demand.

Nearby Freight Hubs

Other Cities in Kentucky

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